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Meropenem
📖 About
Always check the BNF link here.
- 💊 Carbapenems are structurally related to beta-lactam antibiotics.
- 🧬 Unlike imipenem, meropenem does not require cilastatin (already resistant to renal dehydropeptidase).
⚙️ Action
- 🧪 Broad-spectrum bactericidal activity via inhibition of cell wall synthesis.
- 🧠 Good tissue penetration, including cerebrospinal fluid (useful in meningitis).
🌍 Activity
- ✅ Aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
- 🔥 Strong activity against Gram-negatives, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- ❌ Not active against MRSA.
💉 Indications & Dosing – Meropenem (verify with BNF/datasheet)
| Indication | Details |
|---|---|
| 🤰 Abdominal / Gynaecological infections, CAP, Diabetic soft-tissue infections |
Meropenem
• 0.5–1 g IV every 8 h |
| 🧠 Meningitis / Endocarditis |
Meropenem
• 2 g IV every 8 h |
| 🩸 Septicaemia |
Meropenem
• 0.5–1 g IV bolus or infusion every 8 h |
| 🫁 Cystic Fibrosis Infection |
Meropenem
• 2 g IV bolus or infusion every 8 h |
| 📊 Dose Adjustment | Reduce dose if GFR < 50 mL/min |
🔄 Interactions
- ⚠️ Reduces sodium valproate levels (risk of seizures).
⚠️ Cautions
- 🧠 Safer than imipenem in patients with epilepsy, but seizures can still occur.
- 💧 Reduce dose in renal impairment.
- 🧪 Monitor liver function tests during prolonged therapy.
⛔ Contraindications
- 🚫 Hypersensitivity to carbapenems or other beta-lactams.
💥 Side Effects
- 🤢 GI upset: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
- 🌡️ Rash, headache, seizures.
- ⚡ Severe reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- 🧻 Antibiotic-associated colitis (e.g. C. difficile).
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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