Meropenem Trihydrate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Meropenem Trihydrate

Other Names

  • Meropenem

Drug Class

  • Carbapenem Antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C17H25N3O5S • 3H2O

Molecular Weight

437.52 g/mol (anhydrous)

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins

Indications

  • Intra-abdominal infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Septicemia

Common Dosage Forms

  • Powder for injection
  • Vials for IV infusion

Typical Dosage

  • 1 gram every 8 hours for most infections

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosing based on weight and severity of infection

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosing similar to adults but with consideration for renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Injection site reactions

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to carbapenems

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B - Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus

Lactation Safety

  • Considered compatible with breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Probenecid – may increase meropenem levels

Overdose Symptoms

  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, management is supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
  • Protect from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Not absorbed orally, administered intravenously
  • Distribution: Distributed widely in tissues and body fluids
  • Metabolism: Minimal metabolism
  • Excretion: Primarily renally excreted unchanged

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Assess for hypersensitivity before administration

Warnings

  • May cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Others

  • Meropenem trihydrate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.