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.

• Severe bacterial infections

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.

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

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

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.

• 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.

Petri WA Jr. Penicillins, Cephalosporins, and Other β -Lactam Antibiotics. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1500.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 866-67.

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