Meropenem Injection 500 mg (Meropenem Hydrate)

Adult administration

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

Child administration

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

This medication should not be used in patients who have previously experienced severe allergic reactions or shock due to this drug. Patients taking sodium valproate should use caution, as combining this medication may lower blood levels of valproate and potentially lead to a recurrence of epileptic seizures. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this drug or its components, as well as those who have exhibited severe allergic reactions to other carbapenems or beta-lactam antibiotics, should not use this medication. Patients who are allergic in nature, have a history of bronchial asthma, rashes, or easily show allergic symptoms, those with poor renal function, patients with epilepsy or central nervous system disorders, those with severely impaired liver function, elderly patients, those who cannot take orally, and infants under three months of age should use this medication with caution. While using this drug, serious allergic reactions such as shock or anaphylaxis may occur rarely; thus, the patient's condition should be monitored closely before and during administration. If hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, urticaria, itching, or fever occur, administration must be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment should be initiated. Regular checks of blood status are required as blood tests may show white blood cell reduction, anemia, or platelet abnormalities. Liver dysfunction, acute hepatitis, impaired renal function, severe diarrhea, or gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur, necessitating observation. Central nervous symptoms such as seizures or consciousness disturbances may arise, so patients with renal or central nervous system diseases should be particularly careful. Respiratory system abnormalities, severe skin reactions, stomatitis, and candidiasis may occur rarely; patients should report any symptoms immediately. Be vigilant regarding bleeding tendencies due to vitamin K deficiency or symptoms of vitamin B complex deficiencies. Headaches, mental confusion, etc., may occur during driving or operating machinery, so be cautious. This medication may interact with other drugs; therefore, special instructions from a physician should be followed when using it together with probenecid, antiepileptic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, warfarin, etc. For women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, use of this medication should be carefully considered, and it is best to avoid administration while breastfeeding. It is advisable not to use this medication in infants under three months of age since safety and efficacy have not been established. Elderly patients, whose bodily functions may decline, may experience side effects more easily; thus, dosage and administration intervals should be adjusted, and the condition should be carefully monitored. This medication is to be used only for intravenous injection, and it should be used as soon as possible after reconstitution. During storage, it should be kept in accordance with specified time and temperature guidelines. Finally, cross-allergic reactions with other beta-lactam antibiotics may occur, so be sure to inform of any past drug allergy history.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis), severe colitis (membranous colitis), hepatic failure, jaundice, acute renal failure, asthma, dyspnea, pleural effusion, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, PIE syndrome, seizures, altered consciousness, central nervous symptoms, severe neurological symptoms, headache.

Mild side effects

• Oral abnormalities
• wheezing
• dizziness
• changes in bowel movements
• tinnitus
• sweating
• heat sensation
• redness
• itching
• fever

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to prevent air and moisture from entering, with a storage temperature maintained between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature. By storing it this way, the effectiveness of the drug can be safely maintained.

Appearance

A white to pale yellow crystalline powder in a colorless and transparent vial for injection.

Package unit

10 vials/box (604 mg/vial)