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Meropenem
INFORMATION ABOUT MEROPENEM
Meropenem Uses
Meropenem is used in severe bacterial infections. It is used in infections of various body parts like skin and soft tissues, urinary tract, blood, brain and lungs (pneumonia).
How Meropenem works
Meropenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of Meropenem
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Rash, Headache, Vomiting, Nausea, Itching, Diarrhea, Injection site inflammation, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Sepsis, Constipation, Apnea (absence of breathing), Shock
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Expert advice for Meropenem
  • Meropenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
  • It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
  • Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
  • Your doctor may monitor your kidney function and blood count while you are having treatment with this medication.
Frequently asked questions for Meropenem
Any previous history with any other medication should be informed to the doctor before starting your treatment with Meropenem. Medicines like Meropenem can interfere with valproic acid which is used for the treatment of epilepsy, making it less effective. So, the reason for the recent episode of seizure could be the result of such drug interaction. Generally, in cases like these, the doctor prescribes a different medicine.
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it can treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections affecting the lungs (pneumonia) and complicated infections of the urinary tract, abdomen, and skin and soft tissue infections. Along with that, it is also helpful in treating bacterial infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and infections that occur during or after delivery.
Yes, Meropenem is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective against virus or fungal infections. Meropenem is effective against some bacteria which include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. viridans group, etc. Therefore, its use against any other type of bacteria should be avoided.
There are reports which suggest the occurrence of seizures or fits with the use of Meropenem. However, fits are more likely to occur in patients with a history of seizures or a brain lesion (wound, ulcer, abscess or tumor) or patients having bacterial meningitis or compromised kidney function. Consult your doctor to understand the exact reason.
The length of the treatment will be decided by your doctor. The doctor will decide the dose depending on your general health, the type of infection you have, and how well you respond to Meropenem. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.
It is common to have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache with the use of Meropenem. However, these symptoms generally settle down with continued medication as the body adapts to the medicine. If the side effects bother you, inform your doctor. The doctor will suggest an alternative medicine if required. Serious side effects with Meropenem are very rare. In case you develop serious side effects, seek immediate medical advice.
You mustn't stop the treatment without consulting your doctor. Stopping the treatment may bring back the infection or you may develop resistance to Meropenem. Similar results may be seen if you skip any dose or are forgetful in taking the suggested doses. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not miss doses. If you do, take the missed dose as soon as you can and take the next dose as planned so that you stick to the same overall daily dose.