Meropenem is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, stomach, lungs, blood, bladder, kidneys, and brain.
Meropenem injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) using a syringe or by infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection and your response to the medication.
You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Meropenem.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Meropenem if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as imipenem, penicillin and cefuroxime.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of fits or seizures
- head injury
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Meropenem to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Meropenem may cause any of the following side effects: headache, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and pain and swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- fits or seizures
- confusion
- severe or bloody diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- valproic acid (medicine for fits or seizures)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Meropenem.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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