Meropenem

USES
This medication is a carbapenem antibiotic (related to penicillin) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., stomach/abdominal infections, meningitis).

HOW TO USE
This medication is given by vein (IV), generally every 8 hours, or as directed by your doctor. The length of therapy depends on your condition and response to treatment. You may be switched to an oral antibiotic when you are able to take medication by mouth. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by giving you the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. You should continue to use antibiotic medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist. This medication should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, diarrhea, headache or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: stomach pain, black/bloody stools, white patches in the mouth, fever, mental/mood changes, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, seizures, change in amount of urine, yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to other carbapenems such as imipenem, or penicillin/cephalosporin antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cephalexin), kidney disease, seizures, brain disorders (e.g., brain tumors, meningitis). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: medication for gout (e.g., probenecid), live vaccines, other antibiotics. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE
Store dry powder at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Consult your pharmacist for details about storage and stability of the drug after mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. Discard any unused liquid.
 

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.