How does it work?

Meropenem is a broad spectrum antibiotic which is related to the penicillin/cephalosporin family of antibiotics. It has the ability to kill a wide range of bacteria. It works by interfering with their ability to form cell walls, and therefore the bacteria break up and die. It is given by injection or infusion and is generally used to treat severe infections. It may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction to people who have had an allergic reactions to a penicillin in the past.

What is it used for?

Abdominal infections

Infection of the blood or tissues (septicaemia)

Infection of the lungs and airways (lower respiratory tract infection)

Infections of the urinary system

Meningitis

Skin or wound infections

Use with caution in

Allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin type antibiotics

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Allergy to any of the active ingredients

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Blood disorders

Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)

Seizures (convulsions)

Pain and inflammation of the blood vessel at the site of injection

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Probenecid increases the levels of meropenem in the blood.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved