What is Meropenem?
Meropenem, an antibacterial, is used for severe skin infections or stomach ulcers. Meropenem can also be used for bacterial meningitis. This is an infection that leads to inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spine. Meropenem can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Meropenem
If you experience symptoms of an allergy such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling, or in the face and throat, or severe skin reactions like a fever, sore neck, or burning pain in your eyes or skin, or have a red, purple, or even bluish rash, seek emergency medical attention. If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash or hives, fever, swelling of the glands or muscles, weakness, or unusual bruises.
Meropenem may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Diarrhoea that is bloody or watery, severe abdominal pain
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Sores, white patches, or sores in the mouth or throat caused by yeast infection (also called "thrush");
- A severe feeling of tingling, numbness, or pain;
- Low red blood cells (anemia), pale skin, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, or feeling short of breath cold hands and feet.
Meropenem can cause a variety of side effects.
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation;
- Rash;
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for information regarding reporting them to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Inform your doctor of any past history of allergies to antibiotics.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced a severe reaction to anti-biotics or meropenem, for example:
- Cefaclor is also known as cefdinir and cefpodoxime. Keflex Omnicef is another name for cefaclor.
- Avibactam (also known as sulbactam), tazobactam, and vaborbactam
- Amoxil. Ampicillin. Diloxacillin.
If you've ever:
- Allergy to penicillin or any other antibiotics;
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Kidney disease or dialysis (if applicable)
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
How to take Meropenem?
Read and follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication, and be sure to heed its directions on its prescription label. Meropenem should be administered intravenously under medical guidance; you will likely be provided your first dose and given instruction on how to take it correctly. Meropenem should always be mixed in liquid form prior to administration, following all directions provided with your medicine and following its intended use as directed. If any instructions do not make sense to you or you need clarification please reach out for professional help from a pharmacist or doctor immediately. Do not mix Meropenem with any other injectable medications until you are fully prepared. Mixing Meropenem and any other injectable medicines together in the same bag or tube should be avoided, as mixing could alter their efficacy or cause discoloration or particles in its formulation; new medication must always be obtained through your pharmacist.
Even if your symptoms seem to improve quickly, continue taking Meropenem for its entire prescribed duration. Missed doses could result in developing resistance against it and not working. Meropenem does not work against viruses such as influenza or colds; only its antimicrobial action works. If you take Meropenem over time, regular medical testing may be required. Keep unopened bottles stored at a cool, dry temperature away from direct heat and moisture sources. Once mixed, take your medication within an appropriate period. This depends on which diluent and storage location (at room temperature or refrigeration). Please follow all instructions related to mixing and storing medications provided by your pharmacist; should any questions arise please seek clarification immediately. Once used, place needles or syringes into a sharps container to avoid punctures. Be sure to follow local and state laws regarding disposal - such containers must remain out of the reach of pets and children!
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the dose that was missed. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how you will be affected by meropenem. You may be unable to react properly. Diarrhea can be caused by antibiotics, and this could indicate a new illness. Contact your physician immediately if you experience watery or bloody diarrhea.You should only take anti-diarrhea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:
- Divalproex sodium;
- Probenecid;
- Valproic acid.
The list below is not exhaustive. Meropenem may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins. This list does not include all interactions with other drugs.
