Omnipenem 0.5 grams (Meropenem Hydrate)

Adult administration

As Meropenem hydrate, administer 0.5 to 1 g (equivalent) per day in divided doses of 2 to 3 times, by slow intravenous infusion over more than 30 minutes. For suspected infections in patients with pathogenic pneumonia, peritonitis, and neutropenia, administer 1 g (equivalent) by slow intravenous infusion every 8 hours. For cystic fibrosis and meningitis, administer 2 g (equivalent) via slow intravenous infusion every 8 hours.

Child administration

For bacterial meningitis in children over 3 months, depending on the pathogen's susceptibility and the patient's condition, administer 40 mg per kg of body weight via slow intravenous infusion every 8 hours for more than 30 minutes.

This drug should not be used in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions or shock caused by this drug or similar medications. Patients taking sodium valproate should be cautious, as this drug may lower valproate blood levels and lead to a recurrence of seizures. Patients with allergic tendencies or those who frequently experience symptoms such as asthma or rash should also use this drug with caution. Patients with impaired kidney function may have prolonged effects of the drug leading to central nervous system side effects, thus requiring dose adjustments. Patients with epilepsy or central nervous system diseases should be careful, as seizures or consciousness disorders may occur. Patients with severely impaired liver function should be administered with caution due to the risk of worsening liver function. Elderly patients may experience side effects more easily due to decreased bodily function, necessitating careful adjustment of dosage and observation. The safety of this drug is not established in infants, especially those under 3 months of age, so use is not recommended. After administration, various side effects may occur, including shock, rash, urticaria, blood abnormalities, liver and kidney function impairment, and severe skin reactions, so if symptoms arise, administration should be discontinued immediately, and medical attention sought. When administering the drug, check the susceptibility of the infection-causing bacteria and use it for the minimum necessary duration to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria. Prior to administration, confirm any hypersensitivity to beta-lactam drugs such as penicillins or cephalosporins. Caution is needed during driving or operating machinery, as headaches, dizziness, or mental confusion may occur. If symptoms of rhabdomyolysis such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, or dark urine occur, the use of the drug should be immediately stopped. Interactions with other drugs may occur, especially when used with probenecid, antiepileptic drugs, contraceptives, and warfarin, so monitoring is essential. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must carefully consider the benefits and risks of using this drug, and nursing mothers should avoid administration.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylaxis, urticaria, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis), pain in mucous membranes of the mouth/eyes, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory distress accompanied by coughing + fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, liver failure

Mild side effects

• Oral discomfort
• dizziness
• tinnitus
• sweating
• feeling of warmth
• erythema
• itching
• fever
• redness
• systemic flushing

This drug should be stored in a sealed container to prevent air ingress, preferably at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage maintains the drug’s effectiveness and prevents deterioration.

Appearance

White to light yellow crystalline powder filled in a colorless and transparent vial

Package unit

500mg x 10 vials/case