Daewoong Meropenem Injection 500 mg (Meropenem Trihydrate)

Adult administration

As meropenem trihydrate, it is administered intravenously at a dosage of 0.5 to 1 g (equivalent) per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses infused over at least 30 minutes. For suspected infections in patients with pathogenic pneumonia, peritonitis, and neutropenia, 1 g (equivalent) is administered intravenously every 8 hours. In cases of cystic fibrosis and meningitis, 2 g (equivalent) is administered intravenously every 8 hours.

Child administration

For bacterial meningitis in children older than 3 months, it is administered intravenously at a dosage of 40 mg per kg body weight every 8 hours, infused over at least 30 minutes, depending on the pathogen's susceptibility and the patient's condition, and the type of infection.

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For example, patients who have experienced severe allergic reactions or shock to this medication, those taking sodium valproate, patients with hypersensitivity to this drug or its components, and patients with severe allergies to beta-lactam antibiotics should not receive it. Furthermore, patients with allergic constitutions or problems with kidney or liver function, those with epilepsy or central nervous system disorders, the elderly, and infants should use this medication with special caution. In patients with impaired kidney function, drug concentration may increase leading to side effects such as seizures or consciousness disorder; thus, dosage adjustments or increased dosing intervals are necessary. During the administration of this medication, allergic reactions such as shock, rashes, itching, fever may occur; if symptoms appear, administration should be discontinued immediately, and proper treatment should be sought. Various abnormal reactions may also occur, including blood abnormalities, liver function impairment, kidney function deterioration, severe diarrhea, central nervous system symptoms, respiratory issues, and serious skin reactions; hence regular check-ups and observations are required. This medication should be used only for the minimum duration necessary after confirming susceptibility to prevent resistant bacteria, and adverse reactions such as rashes or liver function abnormalities must be closely monitored during administration. Liver function tests must be conducted if administered for more than one week. Interactions with other medications should also be considered. Certain drugs may alter serum concentrations when co-administered; consultation with a physician or pharmacist is necessary when taking medications. Special caution is needed when used with valproate, anticonvulsants, contraceptives, warfarin, and others. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use this medication only when the benefits outweigh the risks as its safety is not established; nursing mothers should avoid breastfeeding as medication may be excreted into breast milk. Use in infants below 3 months is not recommended as safety and efficacy have not been established. The elderly may be at higher risk for side effects due to decreased physiological functions, so dosage and administration intervals should be carefully adjusted. This medication may affect test results, so healthcare providers should be informed at the time of testing. After reconstitution, it should be used as soon as possible, and if storage is needed, it should be used within 6 hours at room temperature or within 24 hours when refrigerated. It should be administered only via intravenous infusion. Finally, this medication may cross-react with other beta-lactam antibiotics; thus, patients with prior allergies to this class of medications should exercise caution.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylactoid reactions, urticaria, angioedema, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis), rashes, severe rashes with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mucous membranes of mouth/eyes, liver failure, jaundice, acute kidney injury, increased blood pressure, severe edema, severe diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis), seizures, loss of consciousness

Mild side effects

• Discomfort
• oral dysesthesia
• wheezing
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• tinnitus
• sweating
• rash
• urticaria
• feeling feverish

This medication must be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent air or moisture from entering. Additionally, it is crucial to store it at room temperature between 1°C and 30°C to maintain its effectiveness.

Appearance

A vial containing a white to pale yellow crystalline powder

Package unit

10 vials