Meropenem
Also sold as: Meronem
Prescription neededOther antibiotics
Comes as:Drip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. Given by drip into a vein in hospital, usually every 8 hours, for serious infections.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- headache
- pain at the injection site
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- seizures
- severe skin rash
- severe or bloody diarrhoea
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Allergy to carbapenem antibiotics
- Severe allergy to penicillin or cephalosporins (use with caution)
- Epilepsy (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Sodium valproate
Meropenem sharply lowers valproate levels and can cause seizures; avoid together.