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Meropenem
 

Generic Name: Meropenem (mer oh PEN em)

Brand Name: Merrem

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 8, 2020.

 Overview
 Side Effects
 Dosage
 Professional
 Interactions
 More 

Uses of Meropenem:
 It is used to treat bacterial infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I

take Meropenem?
 If you have an allergy to meropenem or any other part of meropenem.
 If you are allergic to meropenem; any part of meropenem; or any other
drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what
signs you had.
 If you are taking any of these drugs: Divalproex or valproic acid.
 If you are taking probenecid.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with meropenem.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC,
natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure
that it is safe for you to take meropenem with all of your drugs and health
problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking
with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do

while I take Meropenem?
 Tell all of your health care providers that you take meropenem. This
includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
 Severe and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened
with drugs like this one.
 Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert
until you see how meropenem affects you.
 Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with
the doctor.
 Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may
happen.
 A severe and sometimes deadly reaction has happened. Most of the time,
this reaction has signs like fever, rash, or swollen glands with problems in
body organs like the liver, kidney, blood, heart, muscles and joints, or
lungs. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
 If you are 65 or older, use meropenem with care. You could have more side
effects.
 Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you
and the baby.

How is this medicine (Meropenem) best

taken?
Use meropenem as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you.
Follow all instructions closely.
  It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

 Call your doctor to find out what to do.

See also:

Meropenem dosage information (in more detail)

What are some side effects that I need to

call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very
bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or
get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms
that may be related to a very bad side effect:

 Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered,

or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or
throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or
swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
 Seizures.
 Stiff muscles, shakiness, or muscle movements that are not normal.
 A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
 Feeling very tired or weak.
 Feeling confused.
 Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–
associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a
deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months
after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach
pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your
doctor before treating diarrhea.
 A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal
necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may
not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you
 have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without
fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of

Meropenem?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or
only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these
side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

 Headache.
 Upset stomach or throwing up.
 Diarrhea.
 Constipation.