Merrem Overview
Merrem (generic: meropenem) is a prescription medication used to treat serious skin and stomach infections and certain types of meningitis (irritation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord). Merrem belongs to a group of drugs called carbapenem antibiotics, which work by attacking bacteria in the body.
This medication comes in an injectable form to be given directly into the vein (IV) by a healthcare professional. It is usually given three times daily (every eight hours). In patients with certain kidney problems, it may be given less often.
Common side effects of Merrem include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and headache. Merrem can also affect your neurological (brain) function, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or seizures. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Merrem affects you.
Merrem and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories – A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.
Merrem falls into category B. There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Merrem. But in animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.
Forms of Merrem
Merrem is available in 500 mg and 1 g vials in powder form for mixing into solution for injection.
Active ingredient: meropenem
Inactive ingredients: sodium carbonate
Inform MD
Before taking Merrem, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:
- are allergic to any ingredient in Merrem
- have or have had kidney problems
- take medication for seizures or bipolar disorder
- have or have had neurological (brain or nervous system) problems
- have gastrointestinal (stomach and bowel) problems, especially colitis
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Merrem Dosage
Drug Dosage
Take Merrem exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The Merrem dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following:
- the condition being treated
- other medical conditions you have
- other medications you are taking
- how you respond to this medication
- your kidney function
- your neurological (brain and nervous system) function
The recommended dose range for Merrem in adults is based on the infection and ranges from 500 mg to 1 g every 8 hours. Patients with kidney problems may require lower doses less often (once or twice daily).
The recommended dose range for Merrem in children (weighing 50 kg or less) ranges from 10 to 40 mg/kg every 8 hours, with a maximum of 2 g every 8 hours.
The recommended dose range for Merrem in children (weighing more than 50kg) ranges from 500 mg to 1 g every 8 hours.
Merrem should be infused into the vein over 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes doses can be given directly into the vein over 3 to 5 minutes adults.
Merrem Precautions
Serious side effects have been reported with Merrem including the following:
- hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction). Tell your healthcare provider if you have an allergy to any other antibiotic, especially penicillin antibiotics (Pfizerpen, Pen VK, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Zosyn, Unasyn, Timentin, Nallpen, Bicillin LA), before starting this medication. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity, which include the following:
- chest pain
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
- rash
- seizures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a seizure before starting this medication. Report any signs or symptoms of seizure activity, which can include the following:
- shaking
- twitching
- falling or fainting
- seeing bright lights or spots
- hearing sounds that are not there
- superinfection. Prolonged use can lead to the growth of dangerous organisms that are resistant or unresponsive to this medication. Take Merrem for the duration prescribed by your doctor.
- thrombocytopenia. This is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of blood cell fragments called platelets. It is more likely to occur if you have kidney problems while taking Merrem. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia:
- mild to serious bleeding
- purple, brown, and red bruises (purpura)
- small red or purple dots on your skin (petechiae)
- prolonged bleeding, even from minor cuts
- bleeding or oozing from the mouth or nose, especially nosebleeds or bleeding from brushing your teeth
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially heavy menstrual flow)
- blood in the urine or stool or bleeding from the rectum. Blood in the stool can appear as red blood or as a dark, tarry color. Taking iron supplements also can cause dark, tarry stools.
- headaches and other neurological symptoms. These problems are very rare, but you should discuss them with your doctor.
- diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics, and it usually ends when the antibacterial is stopped. Even after starting treatment with antibiotics, some patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) as late as 2 or more months after having taken their last dose of the antibacterial. If diarrhea is severe or lasts more than 2 or 3 days, contact your doctor, as this may be a sign of an infection of the bowels.
- Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) associated diarrhea. Some antibiotics can kill the “good” bacteria in the colon leading to a growth of C. difficile bacteria. This “bad” bacterium can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems, and these problems may even occur 2 months after the last dose. Extra caution for this side effect is advised in the elderly population. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any or all of the following symptoms:
- watery diarrhea (at least three bowel movements per day for two or more days)
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- nausea
- fever
Merrem can cause headache and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Do not take Merrem if you are allergic to Merrem or any of its ingredients.
Uses of Merrem
Merrem is a prescription medication used to treat serious skin and stomach infections and certain types of meningitis (irritation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord).
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Merrem and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
It is not known if Merrem crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Merrem.
Merrem Usage
Take Merrem exactly as prescribed.
Merrem comes in injectable form to be given directly into the vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Merrem at the same time or in the same day.
Merrem Interactions
Merrem should not be mixed with other drugs going into the vein at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- probenecid (Probalan)
- valproic acid (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon, Stavzor)
This is not a complete list of Merrem drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Merrem
Serious side effects have been reported with Merrem. See the “Drug Precautions” section.
Common side effects of Merrem include the following:
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
- itching or rash
This is not a complete list of Merrem side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Requirements
- Merrem can be stored at room temperature at 15-25°C (59-77°F) or under refrigeration at 2-8°C (36-46°F).
- Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Merrem Food Interactions
Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Merrem, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.
Merrem Overdose
Merrem is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting making it unlikely for an overdose to occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.