Regulatory Class: ℞

Generic Name: Meropenem trihydrate

Formulations: 500mg ,1g IV

Indications or Uses Septicemia; superficial suppurative disorder (phlegmone, lymphadenitis, perianal abscess); surgical & orthopedic infection (osteomyelitis, arthritis, wound infection); resp tract infection (pneumonia, circumtonsillar abscess, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, secondary infection of chronic resp disease, pulmonary abscess, empyema); UTI (nephropyelitis, complicated cystitis); gynecological infection (adnexitis, intrauterine infection, pelvic cavity infection, pelvis cellulitis); otorhinological infection (otitis media, nasosinusitis); bacterial meningitis (childn from 3 mth); febrile neutropenia; cystic fibrosis.

Dosage and Directions for Use: Adultt 500 mg-1 g bid-tid IV infusion over approx 30 min. Nosocomial pneumonia, peritonitis, febrile neutropenia, septicemia 1 g IV every 8 hr. Cystic fibrosis, meningitis 2 g IV every 8 hr. Childn 3 mth-12 yr Bacterial meningitis 40 mg/kg IV every 8 hr over approx 30 min depending on the type & severity of infection, known or suspected susceptibility of the pathogen(s) & patient's condition.

Contraindication: Hypersensitivity. Concomitant use w/ valproic acid/Na valproate.

Special Precaution: History of hypersensitivity to carbapenems, penicillins or other β-lactams. Discontinue use if severe allergic reaction occurs. Patients w/ severe renal or hepatic impairment; history of epilepsy & CNS impairment; preexisting liver disorder. Development of resistance in pseudomonal hospital-acquired lower resp tract infections. Monotherapy w/ critically ill patients w/ known or suspected Pseudomonas aeruginosa lower resp tract infection. Perform regular sensitivity testing during treatment. Pseudomembranous colitis, history of GI complaints particularly colitis. Provide fluids, electrolytes & protein replacement when indicated. Do not use drugs that delay peristalsis eg, opiates & diphenoxylate w/ atropine. Neurological sequelae (following treatment of severe meningitis). May develop +ve or indirect Coombs' test. Avoid use during pregnancy. Lactation. Infants < 3 mth. Elderly.

Adverse Reaction: Local IV inj site reactions (eg, inflammation, thrombophlebitis, pain); nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; reversible thrombocytopenia; increases in serum transaminases, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase & lactic dehydrogenase. Systemic allergic reactions; rash, pruritus, urticaria, severe skin reactions (eg, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome & toxic epidermal necrolysis; oral & vag candidiasis.

Interactions: Inhibited renal excretion w/ probenecid. Decreased blood levels of valproic acid

Presentation/Packaging: Powd for inj (vial) 500 mg x 1's , 10's . 1 g x 1's , 10's.

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