Meppen 500 Milligrams (Meropenem Hydrate)

Adult administration

As meropenem hydrate, administer 0.5 to 1 g/day (activity) divided into 2 to 3 doses by continuous intravenous infusion over at least 30 minutes. In suspected infectious cases such as pathogenic pneumonia, peritonitis, or sepsis in patients with neutropenia, administer 1 g (activity) by intravenous infusion every 8 hours. For cystic fibrosis and meningitis, administer 2 g (activity) by intravenous infusion every 8 hours.

Child administration

For bacterial meningitis in children aged over 3 months, administer 40 mg/kg body weight by continuous intravenous infusion over at least 30 minutes every 8 hours, depending on the pathogen susceptibility and the patient's condition.

This medication should not be used in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions or shock due to this drug. Patients currently taking sodium valproate should be cautious, as the blood concentration of valproate may decrease when used with this drug, potentially leading to seizures. Patients with allergies to this drug or its components, or those who have had severe allergic reactions to other carbapenem or beta-lactam antibiotics should not use it. Patients with allergies, bronchial asthma, or those who easily present with allergic symptoms such as rash should use this medication cautiously. Patients with poor renal function may experience prolonged retention of this drug leading to central nervous system side effects, hence dosage adjustment or extended dosing intervals may be required. Patients with epilepsy or central nervous system disorders should exercise caution due to the possibility of seizures or altered consciousness. Patients with severely impaired liver function should be careful, as this may worsen liver function. Elderly patients may experience more pronounced side effects due to decreased bodily function; therefore, it is essential to carefully adjust the dosage and administration intervals while monitoring. Patients who have difficulty with oral intake or those in poor systemic condition should be observed closely for symptoms of vitamin K deficiency. It is advisable to avoid using this medication in infants under 3 months of age as safety and efficacy have not been established. This drug may rarely cause severe allergic reactions, skin rashes, blood abnormalities, liver and kidney dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, and central nervous system symptoms. If any unusual symptoms appear, administration should be stopped immediately, and appropriate treatment should be sought. Particularly, if symptoms such as malaise, dizziness, fever, rash, severe diarrhea, seizures, or difficulty in breathing occur after injection, the medical team should be informed immediately. To prevent bacterial resistance, this drug should only be used for the minimum duration necessary, as determined by sensitivity testing. If administration begins without sensitivity testing, testing should be conducted within 3 days, and if ineffective, the physician should switch to another medication. Given the potential for shock, it is advisable to assess allergy history and conduct skin reaction tests prior to administration, and to stabilize and closely observe the patient during treatment. With long-term use, side effects such as rashes or liver function abnormalities should be carefully monitored, and regular liver function tests are necessary. It is essential to check for any history of allergic reactions to beta-lactam drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins. While using this drug, symptoms such as headache, mental confusion, or dizziness may occur, thus caution is needed when driving or operating machinery. If symptoms of rhabdomyolysis such as muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine appear, medication should be stopped immediately, and treatment should be sought. This drug may interact with other medications; hence, it is crucial to consult with a physician or pharmacist, particularly if taking probenecid, antiepileptic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, or warfarin. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should use this medication only if the benefits outweigh the risks since its safety has not been established. Breastfeeding women are advised to avoid breastfeeding while using this drug, as it may be secreted in breast milk. This drug is to be used solely as an intravenous injection and should be used as soon as possible after dilution.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylaxis-like reactions, severe allergic reactions, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, hypochromic anemia, liver dysfunction, jaundice, hepatic failure, acute renal failure, severe renal impairment, pseudomembranous colitis, severe colitis, seizures, altered consciousness, central nervous system symptoms, asthma, difficulty breathing, pleural effusion, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, severe skin reactions (including Lyell syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, A

Mild side effects

• Rash
• urticaria
• warmth
• erythema
• itching
• fever
• flushing
• generalized rash
• angioedema
• malaise

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to prevent air entry, ideally at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way helps maintain its efficacy and prevents deterioration.

Appearance

A crystalline powder that is white to light yellow, contained in a colorless and transparent vial as an injection.

Package unit

10 vials/box (604 milligrams/vial)