Meropenem

Introduction To Meropenem

Meropenem is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe infections of the skin, lungs, stomach, urinary tract, blood, and brain (eg. meningitis). It works by killing the bacteria that cause these problems. However, it will not treat a viral infection.

Meropenem is commonly used to treat critically ill patients admitted to the hospital. This medicine is given by drip/infusion or by direct injection into a vein, under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse. The dose will depend on what type of infection you have, where it is in the body, and how serious it is. You should keep on taking the injection for as long as you have been prescribed, even if your symptoms quickly improve. If you stop taking it too early the infection may return or worsen.

Some people may develop side effects like headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, and rash. These side effects are usually temporary and go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Before starting treatment with this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizures), liver or kidney problems or if you are allergic to any antibiotic. While using it, you may be advised blood tests to monitor your blood cell count and kidney function. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by the doctor.

Uses of Meropenem

  • Severe bacterial infections

Benefits of Meropenem

Severe bacterial infections
Meropenem belongs to a group of medicines called carbapenem antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria which can cause serious infections. It is a versatile medicine used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as infections of the brain (meningitis), lungs (pneumonia), abdomen, urinary tract, skin, blood, and heart. This medicine is usually given as an injection by a doctor or nurse.

Meropenem usually makes you feel better very quickly but you should continue taking it as prescribed even when you feel better to make sure that all bacteria are killed and do not become resistant.

Side effects of Meropenem

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ixza

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
  • Constipation

How to use Meropenem

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Meropenem works

Meropenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.

Quick tips

  • Meropenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
  • Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
  • Your doctor may monitor your kidney function and blood count while you are having treatment with this medication.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Meropenem if I’m pregnant?

Meropenem is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Meropenem if I’m breastfeeding?

Meropenem is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

sdsAlcoholSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Meropenem safe?

Consuming alcohol with Meropenem does not cause any harmful side effects.

sdsDrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I drive after taking Meropenem?

It is not known whether Meropenem alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Meropenem if I have/had kidney diseases?

Meropenem should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Meropenem may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Meropenem if I have/had liver diseases?

Meropenem is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Meropenem is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Even though Meropenem is used for skin infections, can it cause any skin- related problems?

Serious skin reactions are rare, but some have been reported with the use of Meropenem. Therefore, before starting the treatment inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine or antibiotic. Serious skin reactions are a type of allergic reaction. But, if not properly managed then they can endanger life. So, if you notice any rash along with fever or peeling of the skin, discontinue the medication and inform your doctor.

Q. Is Meropenem a strong antibiotic?

Which infections does it treat? Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it can treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections affecting the lungs (pneumonia) and complicated infections of the urinary tract, abdomen, and skin and soft tissue infections. Along with that, it is also helpful in treating bacterial infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and infections that occur during or after delivery.

Q. Is Meropenem effective against bacteria only?

Can it be used for any type of bacterial infection? Yes, Meropenem is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective against virus or fungal infections. Meropenem is effective against some bacteria which include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. viridans group, etc. Therefore, its use against any other type of bacteria should be avoided.

Q. My cousin was receiving Meropenem for severe skin infection, but the medicine was stopped when she had a fit. Was the fit due to Meropenem?

There are reports which suggest the occurrence of seizures or fits with the use of Meropenem. However, fits are more likely to occur in patients with a history of seizures or a brain lesion (wound, ulcer, abscess or tumor) or patients having bacterial meningitis or compromised kidney function. Consult your doctor to understand the exact reason.

Q. For how long will I need to take Meropenem?

The length of the treatment will be decided by your doctor. The doctor will decide the dose depending on your general health, the type of infection you have, and how well you respond to Meropenem. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.

Q. What if Meropenem does not suit me?

It is common to have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache with the use of Meropenem. However, these symptoms generally settle down with continued medication as the body adapts to the medicine. If the side effects bother you, inform your doctor. The doctor will suggest an alternative medicine if required. Serious side effects with Meropenem are very rare. In case you develop serious side effects, seek immediate medical advice.

Q. Does it matter if I miss or stop Meropenem?

You mustn't stop the treatment without consulting your doctor. Stopping the treatment may bring back the infection or you may develop resistance to Meropenem. Similar results may be seen if you skip any dose or are forgetful in taking the suggested doses. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not miss doses. If you do, take the missed dose as soon as you can and take the next dose as planned so that you stick to the same overall daily dose.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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