Meropenem is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, brain, stomach, kidney and skin.
Meropenem injection is to be given directly into the vein (intravenously) using a syringe or by infusion (drip). 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 or severity of your infection.
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 the 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 this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Meropenem or any similar medicine or antibiotics (e.g. penicillin, cephalosporins).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of seizures (fits)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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.
- Culture and susceptibility tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- 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 will need to have these tests.
Meropenem may cause seizures, headaches, and tingling or prickling skin. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and injection site pain or swelling.
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
- prolonged diarrhoea
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:
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. valproic acid
- 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. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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