Mephem 1 gram (Meropenem Hydrate)

Adult administration

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

Child administration

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

This drug should not be used in specific patients. For example, it should not be administered to patients who have previously experienced shock due to this drug or have shown hypersensitivity reactions to any of its components. Moreover, patients taking valproate sodium should be cautious as the blood concentration of valproate may decrease when used with this drug, leading to the recurrence of seizure attacks. Additionally, patients with severe allergic reactions to other carbapenem or beta-lactam antibiotics should not use this drug. Patients with poor kidney function or those with epilepsy or central nervous system disorders should reduce the dosage or extend the administration interval, and patients with severe liver disease should also use this drug cautiously. Caution is needed for elderly patients, those with poor nutritional status, and infants under 3 months. During administration of this drug, various side effects may occur, including shock, rash, fever, blood abnormalities, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, severe diarrhea, central nervous system symptoms, respiratory issues, and severe skin reactions. If any abnormal symptoms appear, administration should be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment should be received. Additionally, this drug should only be used for an appropriate period based on susceptibility testing to prevent the development of resistant bacteria, and regular monitoring, including liver function tests, is needed during prolonged use. This drug may interact with specific medications, so healthcare providers should be informed if other medications are being taken. Special caution is needed when used in conjunction with probenecid, valproate, antiepileptic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, etc. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should carefully consider the benefits and risks prior to using this drug, and it is advisable to avoid use while breastfeeding. The safety of this drug has not been established for infants under 3 months, and elderly patients are at a higher risk for side effects and should be used with caution, adjusting dosage and administration intervals as necessary. Administration should be done quickly after reconstitution and can only be given as an intravenous infusion. Additionally, this drug may have cross-reactivity with other beta-lactam antibiotics, so patients with a history of allergy should consult with their healthcare provider.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions (including urticaria, angioedema), serious skin adverse reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, AGEP), severe colitis (pseudomembranous colitis), severe renal impairment (acute renal failure), liver dysfunction, jaundice, liver failure, asthma, dyspnea, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, PIE syndrome, heart failure, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism.

Mild side effects

• Urticaria
• rash
• heat sensation
• erythema
• itching
• fever
• redness
• generalized flushing
• angioedema
• oral abnormalities

This drug should be stored in a container that is sealed to prevent air ingress, and it is best to store it at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way will help maintain the drug's effectiveness.

Appearance

A colorless to light yellow crystalline powder in a clear transparent vial for injection.

Package unit

10 vials/box (1,208 mg/vial)