Zefopenam Special Precautions

There are some clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between other carbapenems and β-lactam antibiotics, penicillins and cephalosporins. As with all β-lactam antibiotics, rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.
Before initiating therapy with meropenem, careful injury should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactam antibiotics. Meropenem should be used with caution in patients with such a history. If an allergic reaction to meropenem occurs, Zefopenam should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken.
Use of meropenem with patients with hepatic disease should be made with careful monitoring of transaminase and bilirubin levels.
As with other antibiotics, overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms may occur and therefore, continuous monitoring of each patient is necessary. 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 individuals 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.
Effects on the Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery: No data is available, but it is not anticipated that meropenem will affect the ability to drive and use machines.
Use in pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B: The safety of meropenem in human pregnancy has not been evaluated. Animal studies have not shown any adverse effect on the developing fetus. The only adverse effect observed in animal reproductive studies was an increased incidence of abortion in monkeys at 13 times the expected exposure in man. Meropenem should not be used in pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In every case, it should be used under the direct supervision of the physician.
Use in lactation: Meropenem is detectable at very low concentrations in animal breast milk. Meropenem should not be used in breastfeeding women unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to neonates.
Use in children: Efficacy and tolerability in infants <3 months have not been established therefore, meropenem is not recommended for use below this age. There is no experience in children with altered hepatic or renal function. Keep all medicines away from the children.