What is Merrem?
Merrem is an antibacterial. Merrem can be used for severe skin infections or stomach ulcers. Merrem can also be used for bacterial meningitis. This is an infection that leads to inflammation in the tissues that cover the brain and spine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor before you take Merrem if you've ever had reactions to any antibiotic medication.
Before you take this drug
Merrem may not work for you if:
- Cefaclor is also known as cefdinir and cefpodoxime. Keflex, Omnicef, or cephalexin are other names.
- Avibactam (also known as sulbactam), tazobactam, and vaborbactam
- Amoxicillin is available in many forms, including Amoxil (Amoxil), Augmentin (Moxatag), dicloxacillin (oxacillin), penicillin, and ampicillin.
If you've ever:
- Allergy to penicillin or any other antibiotics;
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- Epilepsy
- Kidney disease or dialysis (if applicable)
Merrem is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. Breast-feeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about possible risks.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Azthromycin, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
How to take Merrem?
Follow all directions on the label and read any instructions or guides that may accompany your medication. Please read the instructions on your medication label. Merrem can be administered intravenously. A healthcare provider will likely administer your first dose and teach you how to use it appropriately. Merrem should always be mixed with liquid before taking. Be sure to carefully read and follow all instructions that accompany your medication - if something does not seem clear to you please don't use them and consult a pharmacist or doctor with any concerns you might have about their usage. Merrem should never be mixed with other medications injected via injection in a bag or tube at once. Just before administering, prepare an injection using Merrem only - never combine other injectable medicines in one bag or tube with it! If any part of it has changed color or contains particles, do not take. Contact your pharmacist if needing new medication. Even if your symptoms improve quickly, take your dose as prescribed for as long as necessary to keep infections resistant to this medicine at bay. Meropenem doesn't work on viruses such as influenza and colds; only on bacteria.
If you have been taking Merrem over an extended period, medical testing will likely become necessary. Unopened bottles should always be stored at a cool, dry environment to preserve quality and keep their integrity. After mixing, take your medication within the appropriate period after storage (at room temperature or refrigerated). Follow all instructions related to mixing and storing medications from your pharmacist if any questions arise regarding timing or storage methods. Only use needles and syringes once, before placing them into a "sharps container". Be sure to follow any applicable local or state regulations regarding how you dispose of this waste, keeping pets and children out of its path.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect being poisoned and seek assistance immediately or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine affects you. You may be unable to react properly. Antibiotics can lead to diarrhea. This could be an indication of a fresh infection. Call your physician if you experience diarrhea that's watery or bloody.You should only take anti-diarrhea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Side effects of Merrem
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response to Merrem, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning, pain in your eye, or skin irritation, or red, purple, or blistering skin that is spreading and causing peeling), 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.
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;
- Anemia (low red blood cell count), pale skin or unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath and cold hands and feet could be signs that it's time to go the doctor.
Merrem may cause side effects such as:
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation;
- Rash;
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for the FDA reporting process call: 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Divalproex sodium;
- Probenecid;
- Valproic acid.
The list below is not exhaustive. Meropenem may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all drug interactions.
