Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic that exerts bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

• Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI)

• Complicated intra-abdominal infections

• Bacterial meningitis (in pediatric patients)

Adults:

• Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI): 500 mg every 8 hours
• Intra-abdominal infections: 1 g every 8 hours
• Administered via IV infusion over 15–30 minutes or IV bolus over 3–5 minutes

Pediatrics (≥3 months):

• cSSSI: 10 mg/kg (max 500 mg) every 8 hours
• Intra-abdominal infections: 20 mg/kg (max 1 g) every 8 hours
• Meningitis: 40 mg/kg (max 2 g) every 8 hours

Pediatrics (<3 months):

• 20–30 mg/kg every 8–12 hours, adjusted by gestational and postnatal age

• Common: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash, constipation, anemia

• Serious: hypersensitivity reactions, seizures, severe cutaneous reactions, rhabdomyolysis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea

Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or other β-lactams (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).

• Risk of anaphylaxis especially in β-lactam-sensitive patients

• Monitor for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (e.g., SJS, TEN)

• Seizures and CNS side effects, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction or CNS disorders

• Avoid use with valproic acid due to risk of breakthrough seizures

• Risk of CDAD and development of drug-resistant organisms