Meropenem
Information about Meropenem
Meropenem uses
Meropenem is used in severe bacterial infections. It is used in infections of various body parts like skin and soft tissues, urinary tract, blood, brain and lungs (pneumonia).
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.
Common side effects of meropenem
Rash, Headache, Vomiting, Nausea, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Content Details
Last updated on:
06 Nov 2019 | 04:26 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Meropenem
- Meropenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
- It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
- 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 while you are having treatment with this medication.
Frequently asked questions for Meropenem
Meropenem
Q. My friend has a history of epilepsy and she was on valproic acid while receiving treatment with Meropenem, still she had an episode of seizure. Why?
Your friend should have communicated to the doctor that she was receiving valproic acid for epilepsy. Meropenem interferes with the working of valproic acid, making it less effective. This is the reason that she had an episode of seizure. Generally, in cases like these, the doctor prescribes a different medicine.
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. Inform your doctor before starting Meropenem if you are allergic to any medicine or antibiotic. These serious skin reactions are type of allergic reactions, but they can endanger life. So, if you notice any rash along with fever or peeling of the skin, you should alert your doctor who will immediately discontinue Meropenem.
Q. Is Meropenem a strong antibiotic? Which infections does it treat?
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means that it is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is used to treat infection affecting the lungs (pneumonia) and complicated infections of the urinary tract, abdomen, and skin and soft tissue infections. It also treats 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 against bacteria only but not all bacteria. It is not effective against virus or fungi. Meropenem is effective against some bacteria which include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. viridans group, etc. Meropenem should only be used to treat or prevent infections against which it is effective.
Q. My cousin was receiving Meropenem for severe skin infection when she had a fit and Meropenem was stopped. Was the fit due to Meropenem?
Seizures or fits have been reported 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.
Q. For how long will I need to take Meropenem?
The length of the treatment will be decided by your doctor, depending on your general health, the type of infection you have and how well you respond to Meropenem.
Q. What if Meropenem does not suit me?
It is common to have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache but generally these settle down. If the side effects bother you, tell your doctor immediately. The doctor will give you an alternative medicine. Serious side effects are very rare. In case you develop serious side effects, seek immediate medical advice.
Q. Does it matter if I miss or stop Meropenem?
It is important that you do not stop the treatment without consulting your doctor. Stopping the treatment may bring back the infection or you may develop resistance to Meropenem. The same applies if you are forgetful in taking the suggested doses. 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.