Youngjin Meropenem Injection 0.5g (Meropenem Trihydrate)

Adult administration

As meropenem hydrate, administer 0.5 to 1 g daily (potency), divided into 2 to 3 doses infused intravenously over at least 30 minutes. For suspected infections in patients with pathogenic pneumonia, peritonitis, or neutropenia, administer 1 g (potency) intravenously every 8 hours. For cystic fibrosis and meningitis, administer 2 g (potency) intravenously every 8 hours.

Child administration

For bacterial meningitis in children over 3 months, administer 40 mg per kg body weight intravenously over at least 30 minutes every 8 hours, depending on the pathogen's sensitivity and the patient's condition.

This medication should not be administered to certain patients. For example, patients who have had serious allergic reactions or shock to this medication should not use it. Additionally, patients taking sodium valproate should use caution, as it can reduce blood levels of the medication and increase the risk of seizures. Patients with allergies to this medication or its components, or who have shown severe hypersensitivity reactions to other carbapenems or beta-lactam antibiotics should also not be treated with this medication. Patients with impaired kidney function are at risk of elevated blood concentrations of this medication, which may lead to central nervous system symptoms; therefore, the dosage should be reduced or the dosing interval extended. Patients with asthma or allergic predisposition, those with epilepsy or central nervous system disorders, severely impaired liver function, elderly patients, infants under 3 months, and those who have difficulty with oral intake should use this medication carefully. This medication can rarely cause a variety of side effects, such as shock, anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, blood abnormalities, hepatitis, renal failure, pseudomembranous colitis, central nervous system abnormalities, respiratory problems, and severe skin diseases; thus, careful monitoring of the patient’s condition is necessary during administration. If symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, or changes in consciousness occur, administration should be stopped immediately, and appropriate treatment sought. To prevent the development of resistant strains, sensitivity tests should be carried out, and it should only be used for the minimum required duration. If sensitivity is not confirmed within 3 days of starting treatment, it is advisable to switch to another medication. Furthermore, regular liver function and blood tests should be performed during treatment to detect adverse reactions early. This medication may interact with certain drugs, so caution is required when used in conjunction with probenecid, valproate, antiepileptic drugs, and hormonal contraceptives. When used in combination with warfarin, the coagulation status should be monitored frequently. Use during pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential should be carefully considered, and it is advisable to avoid use while breastfeeding. Elderly patients may experience more side effects due to decreased bodily functions, thus dosage and intervals should be adjusted and their condition closely monitored. This medication is for intravenous use only and should be used promptly after reconstitution. When stored, it should be used within 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours when refrigerated to ensure safety. Lastly, this medication can cause cross-reactivity with other beta-lactam antibiotics, so patients with a history of allergy to this class of drugs should inform their healthcare provider.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylactic-like reactions, urticaria, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis), jaundice, profound lethargy, hepatic failure, acute renal failure, abdominal pain, severe colitis with bloody stools, convulsions, altered consciousness, asthma attacks, cough, and fever

Mild side effects

• Oral dysesthesia
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• tinnitus
• sweating
• warmth
• erythema
• itching
• fever
• flushing

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to avoid exposure to air, and the storage temperature should be maintained between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way will safely preserve the medication's effectiveness.

Appearance

Vial filled with crystalline powder ranging from white to pale yellow

Package unit

10 vials/box