Meropenem (Meropenem)
Overview of Meropenem
Meropenem is an intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic derived from thienamycin. The actions, uses and adverse effects are similar to those of imipenem but unlike imipenem it does not need the addition of Cilastatin to prolong its action. It has a slightly greater activity against gram-negative aerobes and slightly less activity against gram positive anaerobes. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is attained by taking the medicine at regular intervel of time throughout the day and night as prescribed.
Indication of Meropenem
Meropenem is primarily indicated in conditions like Abdominal sepsis, Adult febrile neutropenia, Gynecological infections, Meningitis, Obstetric infections, Pneumonia, Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis, Septicaemia, Serious infections, Surface anaesthetic, Surgical anaesthesia.
Contraindication of Meropenem
Meropenem is contraindicated in conditions like GI diseases,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Meropenem
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Meropenem, which give rise to further complications include Pseudomembranous colitis, Thrombocytopenia, Stevens johnson syndrome, Stevens johnson syndrome, Eosinophilia, Eosinophilia, Seizures.,Meropenem produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypersensitivity reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Meropenem therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Meropenem are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Rashes, Urticaria, Pruritus, Elevation of liver enzymes, Dermatitis, Reaction at injection site.
Precautions of Meropenem
Pseudomembranous colitis and hypersensitivity reactions have occured and often require immediate drug discontinuation, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients with significant renal dysfunction, seizures have occurred in the patient with underlying neurological disorders (less frequent than with meropenem, safety and efficacy of meropenem have not been established for children < 3 months of age ; superinfection possible with long courses of therapy.