CANEM INJECTION 500MG
MEROPENUM TRIHYDRATE USP
What it does
Meropenem is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, severe infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin infections …
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:16:59 · updated 2026-07-20 11:04:59
About this medicine
Meropenem is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- severe infections
- intra-abdominal infections
- skin infections
- pneumonia
How it works
Meropenem kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to build cell walls, which is essential for their survival.
Who it's for
Meropenem is for adults and children with severe infections caused by specific bacteria.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: meropenum
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a variety of severe bacterial infections. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including many resistant strains. Meropenem is often used in hospital settings for the treatment of infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infections.
Indications
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- Complicated intra-abdominal infections
- Bacterial meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Sepsis
Dosage
Children: Paediatric dosing should be determined according to the specific guidelines provided in the BNF for Children, with considerations made for the child's weight and the severity of the infection.
Adults: For adults, the typical dose is 500 mg to 1 g administered intravenously every 8 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection.
Mechanism of action
Meropenem works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, leading to disruption of cell wall integrity. This results in cell lysis and death of the bacteria.
Pharmacodynamics
Meropenem exhibits time-dependent bactericidal activity, meaning its efficacy is related to the duration of time that the drug concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the target bacteria. It has a broad spectrum of activity, including effectiveness against both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, making it a suitable choice for polymicrobial infections.
Pharmacokinetics
Meropenem is administered intravenously and has a high volume of distribution, indicating good penetration into tissues and body fluids. It is approximately 2% protein-bound and is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with a half-life of about 1 hour in healthy individuals. Renal impairment can prolong its half-life, necessitating dosage adjustments in such patients.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
- Severe allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Seizures
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Interactions
- Probenecid may increase the plasma concentration of meropenem
- Other nephrotoxic agents may increase the risk of renal toxicity
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor for signs of anaphylaxis in patients with a history of penicillin allergy
Pregnancy
Meropenem should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Meropenem is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2-8 degrees Celsius). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Intravenous infusion
- Intravenous injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.