Meropenem injection is a broad-spectrum antibiotic given intravenously (IV) or, less commonly, intramuscularly (IM) in a hospital setting. It’s used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Common indications
- Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., complicated appendicitis, peritonitis)
- Pneumonia (including nosocomial/ventilator-associated pneumonia)
- Meningitis
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- Gynecologic infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Fever and neutropenia in cancer patients or other immunocompromised people
How it’s given
- Route: IV infusion (usually over about 30 minutes; sometimes as an IM injection)
- Dosing: typically 500 mg to 1 g every 8 hours for many infections; 2 g every 8 hours for meningitis or very severe infections. The exact dose and interval depend on the infection, severity, and patient factors.
- Duration: usually 5–14 days, but can be longer depending on the infection and response.
- Renal function: dose and/or frequency may be adjusted in kidney impairment.
Important cautions and considerations
- Do not use if you have a known allergy to meropenem, other carbapenems, or severe penicillin allergy (cross-sensitivity can occur).
- Not effective against viral infections (e.g., colds, flu, most cases of the common cold).
- Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and injection-site reactions; more rarely seizures, especially at high doses or in people with seizure risk.
- Can cause Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea.
- Valproic acid levels can fall with meropenem, which may trigger seizures in people with epilepsy or seizure history.
- Probenecid can raise meropenem levels.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: usually considered safe (pregnancy category B), but discuss with your clinician.
If you have a specific infection, age (adult/child), kidney function, or you’re considering use, I can tailor the info (indications, typical dosing ranges, and safety considerations) more precisely. Also, this medication should be used under medical supervision and exactly as prescribed.