Section 15 · Monograph
Meropenem
Reviewed Nov 2026FDA label
MerremCarbapenem
- Forms
- IV: 500mg, 1g vials
- Dose
- Meningitis: 2g IV q8h
- MOA
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
Indications
- Bacterial meningitis (pediatric patients 3 months and older)FDA-labeled
- Complicated skin and intra-abdominal infectionsFDA-labeled
Mechanism of Action
- Carbapenem that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; broad coverage with CNS penetration
Full Dosing
Adult / usual
- Infuse over 15-30 minutes
Renal
- Renal dose adjustment required
Pediatric
- Meningitis: 2g IV every 8 hours (adults); pediatric 40mg/kg every 8 hours (max 2g)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other beta-lactams (including anaphylaxis)
Drug Interactions
- Valproic acid: levels fall markedly, risking breakthrough seizures — avoid combination
- Probenecid increases meropenem levels
Adverse Effects
- Seizures (less than imipenem, but a concern in CNS disease or renal impairment)
- Diarrhea, C. difficile infection
- Rash, headache
- Thrombocytopenia
Monitoring Parameters
- Renal function
- Seizure activity
- CBC and liver tests with prolonged therapy
Pregnancy & Lactation
- Limited data; use if benefit outweighs risk
- Excreted in milk in small amounts