DexaMedica Meropenem Special Precautions

There is some clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between other carbapenems and beta-lactam antibiotics, penicillins and cephalosporins. As with all beta-lactam antibiotics, rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Before initiating therapy with meropenem, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics. Meropenem should be used with caution in patients with such a history. If an allergic reaction to meropenem occurs, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken.
As with other antibiotics, overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur and, therefore, continuous monitoring of each patient is necessary.
Use of meropenem in patients with hepatic disease should be made with careful monitoring of transaminase and bilirubin levels.
Use in infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci is not recommended.
Rarely, pseudomembranous colitis has been reported on meropenem as with practically all antibiotics and may vary in severity from slight to life-threatening. Therefore, antibiotics should be prescribed with care for individual with a history of gastrointestinal complaints, particularly colitis.
It is important to consider the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis in the case of patients who develop diarrhea in association with the use of meropenem. Although studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one of the main causes of antibiotic-associated colitis, other causes should be considered.
The co-administration of meropenem with potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be considered with caution.
Seizures and other CNS adverse experiences have been reported during treatment with meropenem, these experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) or with bacterial meningitis and/or compromised renal function.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No studies on the effect on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.
Use in Children: Efficacy and tolerability in infants under 3 months old have not been established. Meropenem is not recommended for use below this age. There is no experience in children with altered hepatic or renal function.