Zempene 0.5g (Meropenem Hydrate)

Adult administration

As meropenem hydrate, administer 0.5 to 1 g (potency) daily in 2 to 3 divided doses, infused intravenously over more than 30 minutes. For suspected infections in patients with pathogenic pneumonia, peritonitis, neutropenia, and sepsis, administer 1 g (potency) intravenously every 8 hours. In cystic fibrosis and meningitis: administer 2 g (potency) intravenously every 8 hours. After 3 days from initiation, determine if continued administration is necessary.

Child administration

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

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For example, patients who have previously experienced severe allergic reactions or shock due to this medication, patients taking valproate sodium, or those with severe allergies to other antibiotics with similar ingredients should avoid taking it. Additionally, patients with a history of allergies, impaired renal function, epilepsy or central nervous system disorders, severely decreased liver function, the elderly, and infants or patients in poor general condition should use this medication with caution. Especially in cases of weak renal function, the drug concentration can increase, leading to side effects such as seizures or consciousness disturbances which may require dosage adjustments. This medication can rarely cause serious side effects during use. Shock or anaphylactic reactions, severe skin reactions, blood disorders, impaired liver function, renal dysfunction, severe colitis, central nervous system abnormal symptoms have been reported; hence the patient's condition should be closely monitored during administration. Moreover, when using this medication for a prolonged period or after 3-5 days, especially observe for side effects such as rashes or liver function abnormalities, and if any unusual symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately and seek appropriate treatment. To prevent the occurrence of resistant bacteria, susceptibility testing should be performed beforehand, and it should only be used for the minimum necessary duration. If susceptibility testing is not done, tests should be conducted within 3 days after starting treatment, and if necessary, switch to another medication. Before administration, always check for previous hypersensitivity to beta-lactam drugs such as penicillin or cephalosporins, and during treatment, be attentive to neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, or seizures. This medication can interact with certain drugs, so caution is necessary when taken together with probenecid, valproate, antiepileptic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, etc., and if used in conjunction with warfarin, frequent checks of blood coagulation status are required. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should only use this medication when the therapeutic benefit outweighs the risk, as safety during pregnancy is not established. Lactating women should avoid breastfeeding as this medication may be secreted into breast milk. Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants under 3 months old, and elderly patients may experience an increased incidence of side effects due to decreased bodily functions, thus dosage and intervals should be adjusted with caution. This medication is primarily administered via intravenous injection, and should be used as soon as possible after reconstitution. If it needs to be preserved, it should be used within 6 hours at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated. This medication may have cross-allergenicity with other beta-lactam antibiotics, so patients with a history of allergy to these medications should be particularly cautious.

Serious side effects

Shock, anaphylactoid reactions, urticaria, angioedema, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)), jaundice, liver failure, fulminant hepatitis, acute renal failure, respiratory distress, asthma, severe respiratory abnormalities, severe edema, elevated blood pressure, seizures.

Mild side effects

• Urticaria
• rash
• feeling of warmth
• erythema
• itching
• fever
• flushing
• generalized erythema
• angioedema
• oral disturbances

Store this medication in a sealed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. Additionally, it should be kept at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius, avoiding extremely hot or cold places.

Appearance

A colorless transparent vial filled with crystalline powder ranging from white to light yellow.

Package unit

10 vials