Meropenem Fresenius Kabi
Carbapenem antibiotic for serious bacterial infections – administered intravenously
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections in hospitals. It works by killing bacteria that cause life-threatening conditions including pneumonia, meningitis, complicated urinary and abdominal infections, and sepsis. It is given intravenously (into a vein) and is typically reserved for infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Meropenem is a last-resort carbapenem antibiotic used for serious, often life-threatening bacterial infections that do not respond to narrower-spectrum antibiotics.
- It is administered exclusively by intravenous injection or infusion, usually every 8 hours, in a hospital or under trained supervision at home.
- The drug must not be combined with valproic acid (sodium valproate) as it can reduce anticonvulsant levels by up to 60–100%, risking seizures.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and injection-site reactions; serious but rare side effects include severe allergic reactions and seizures.
- Responsible antibiotic use is critical – always complete the prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance.
What Is Meropenem Fresenius Kabi and What Is It Used For?
Quick Answer: Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is a carbapenem-class antibiotic administered intravenously to treat serious bacterial infections including pneumonia, meningitis, complicated abdominal and urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia.
Meropenem belongs to the carbapenem family of antibiotics, which are considered among the most potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents available. Carbapenems are structurally related to penicillins and other beta-lactam antibiotics, but they possess a uniquely broad spectrum of activity that makes them effective against many bacteria that have developed resistance to other antibiotics.
The drug works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Specifically, meropenem binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside bacterial cells, disrupting the production of peptidoglycan – a critical structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Without a functional cell wall, bacteria cannot maintain their structural integrity and ultimately die. This bactericidal mechanism means meropenem actively kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.
One of meropenem's key clinical advantages is its stability against most beta-lactamases, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases. These enzymes are produced by certain resistant bacteria to break down and inactivate other beta-lactam antibiotics. Meropenem's structural resistance to these enzymes makes it particularly valuable for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
Approved Indications
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is approved for use in adults and children aged 3 months and older for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Pneumonia – including hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), where broad-spectrum coverage is essential
- Bronchopulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis – where Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other resistant organisms are common pathogens
- Complicated urinary tract infections – including pyelonephritis and infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales
- Complicated intra-abdominal infections – such as peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, and post-surgical infections involving polymicrobial flora
- Intra- and post-partum infections – serious infections occurring during or after childbirth, including endometritis and puerperal sepsis
- Complicated skin and soft tissue infections – including necrotizing fasciitis, deep-seated wound infections, and cellulitis with systemic signs
- Acute bacterial meningitis – meropenem achieves adequate concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), making it suitable for CNS infections
- Febrile neutropenia – empirical treatment of suspected bacterial infection in immunocompromised patients with fever and low white blood cell counts
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) – when associated with or suspected to arise from any of the infections listed above
Meropenem is generally reserved as a second-line or last-resort antibiotic. According to the WHO AWaRe classification, carbapenems are categorized as “Watch” antibiotics – agents with higher resistance potential whose use should be carefully monitored. Healthcare providers typically prescribe meropenem when first-line antibiotics have failed or when culture results indicate resistance to narrower-spectrum agents.
What Should You Know Before Taking Meropenem Fresenius Kabi?
Quick Answer: Do not use meropenem if you are allergic to carbapenems or have a known severe allergy to other beta-lactam antibiotics. Tell your doctor about kidney or liver disease, epilepsy, and all other medications you take, especially valproic acid and anticoagulants.
Contraindications
You must not receive Meropenem Fresenius Kabi if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to meropenem, to any other carbapenem antibiotic, or to any of the inactive ingredients in the product (see the composition section below). Cross-reactivity between carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins can occur, although it is less common than previously thought. Studies suggest the rate of cross-reactivity between carbapenems and penicillins is approximately 1%, but your doctor will carefully evaluate the risk if you have a known allergy to any beta-lactam antibiotic.
If you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis, severe skin rash, or angioedema) to any penicillin, cephalosporin, or carbapenem, inform your healthcare provider immediately. In some cases, desensitization protocols may be considered if meropenem is the only viable treatment option, but this should be performed under close medical supervision.
Warnings and Precautions
Before you receive Meropenem Fresenius Kabi, discuss the following conditions with your doctor or nurse:
- Liver disease: Meropenem may cause hepatic injury. Monitor for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, dark urine, or pale stools. Regular liver function tests may be required during treatment.
- Kidney disease: Meropenem is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Dose adjustments are necessary in patients with reduced renal function (creatinine clearance below 51 mL/min) to prevent drug accumulation and increased risk of side effects, including seizures.
- History of seizures or epilepsy: Carbapenems, including meropenem, have been associated with seizures, particularly in patients with pre-existing CNS disorders, renal impairment, or when used at higher than recommended doses.
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: If you have previously developed severe diarrhea (including Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, formerly known as C. difficile colitis) after antibiotic use, inform your doctor. This potentially serious complication can occur during or up to several weeks after treatment.
In rare cases, meropenem has been associated with severe, potentially life-threatening skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome). If you develop a widespread red rash, blistering, peeling skin, sores in your mouth or eyes, or high fever with rash, seek immediate medical attention.
You may receive a positive result on a Coombs test during treatment. This blood test detects antibodies that may destroy red blood cells. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your clinical condition and determine whether any action is needed.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There are limited clinical data available on the use of meropenem during human pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown direct harmful effects on reproductive development, but meropenem should preferably be avoided during pregnancy unless the healthcare provider determines that the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk to the fetus. The decision to use meropenem in pregnancy should be made on a case-by-case basis, particularly for serious or life-threatening infections where alternative antibiotics are not appropriate.
Small amounts of meropenem are excreted in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, discuss this with your doctor before treatment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of antibiotic treatment against any potential effects on the nursing infant. In most cases, the small amounts present in breast milk are unlikely to cause significant effects, but monitoring the infant for diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush) may be recommended.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No formal studies on the effect of meropenem on driving ability have been conducted. However, meropenem has been associated with headache, paraesthesia (tingling or numbness), and in rare cases, seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery until the effects have resolved. Patients receiving meropenem in hospital are generally not expected to drive during their treatment course.
Sodium Content
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi contains sodium as an excipient (anhydrous sodium carbonate). The 500 mg vial contains approximately 45.1 mg sodium per vial (equivalent to 2.3% of the WHO recommended maximum daily sodium intake for adults). The 1 g vial contains approximately 90.3 mg sodium per vial (equivalent to 4.5%). If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, inform your healthcare provider, as cumulative sodium intake from multiple daily doses may be clinically relevant.
How Does Meropenem Fresenius Kabi Interact with Other Drugs?
Quick Answer: Meropenem has a critical interaction with valproic acid (used for epilepsy), which can reduce anticonvulsant blood levels by up to 60–100%. It also interacts with probenecid and oral anticoagulants such as warfarin.
Drug interactions can alter the effectiveness or safety profile of meropenem or the co-administered medication. Always inform your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist of all medications you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.
Major Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Valproic acid / Sodium valproate / Valpromide | Meropenem dramatically reduces valproic acid blood levels (by up to 60–100%), potentially causing loss of seizure control | Do not use together. Use an alternative antibiotic or alternative anticonvulsant during meropenem treatment |
| Probenecid | Inhibits renal tubular secretion of meropenem, increasing meropenem plasma concentrations and prolonging its half-life | Co-administration is not recommended. Meropenem's half-life and area under the curve (AUC) are significantly increased |
Minor Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) | Meropenem may increase the anticoagulant effect, raising the risk of bleeding by altering vitamin K synthesis by gut bacteria | Monitor INR closely during and after meropenem treatment. Dose adjustment of the anticoagulant may be required |
| Other antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides) | Potential additive nephrotoxicity when combined with aminoglycosides | Monitor renal function closely if combination therapy is necessary |
Meropenem may cause a positive direct Coombs test result. This should be considered when interpreting blood compatibility testing. Meropenem does not typically interfere with urine glucose testing when using enzymatic methods, but may give false-positive results with copper reduction methods (e.g. Clinitest).
What Is the Correct Dosage of Meropenem Fresenius Kabi?
Quick Answer: The typical adult dose ranges from 500 mg to 2 g given intravenously every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection. Children receive weight-based dosing (10–40 mg/kg every 8 hours). Doses must be reduced in patients with impaired kidney function.
Meropenem is always administered by a healthcare professional or by a patient/caregiver who has received specific training. The dose, frequency, and duration of treatment are determined by your doctor based on the type of infection, its severity, and your kidney function. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Adults
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gynaecological infections, skin and soft tissue infections | 500 mg – 1 g | Every 8 hours |
| Hospital-acquired pneumonia, peritonitis, suspected infections in neutropenic patients, sepsis | 1 g | Every 8 hours |
| Meningitis | 2 g | Every 8 hours |
| Cystic fibrosis pulmonary infections | 2 g | Every 8 hours |
Children (3 months to 11 years, weighing less than 50 kg)
Paediatric Dosing
The dose for children aged 3 months to 11 years (weighing less than 50 kg) is based on body weight. The standard range is 10 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg given intravenously every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection:
- 10–20 mg/kg – for skin and soft tissue infections
- 20 mg/kg – for pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gynaecological infections, intra-abdominal infections
- 40 mg/kg – for meningitis, cystic fibrosis pulmonary infections, febrile neutropenia
Children weighing over 50 kg should receive adult doses. Meropenem is not recommended for use in infants under 3 months of age.
Elderly
No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients with normal kidney function. However, because renal function naturally declines with age, kidney function should be assessed (using estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance) and doses adjusted accordingly if renal impairment is present. Close monitoring of liver and kidney function is recommended during treatment in older adults.
Renal Impairment
| Creatinine Clearance | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 26–50 mL/min | Full recommended dose | Every 12 hours |
| 10–25 mL/min | Half the recommended dose | Every 12 hours |
| < 10 mL/min | Half the recommended dose | Every 24 hours |
Method of Administration
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is supplied as a powder that must be reconstituted with sterile water for injections before use. It can be administered in two ways:
- Intravenous bolus injection: Given over approximately 5 minutes into a large vein through a peripheral cannula, PICC line, or central venous catheter.
- Intravenous infusion: Given over 15 to 30 minutes, diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose solution.
Injections should be given at regular intervals, ideally at the same times each day, to maintain consistent drug levels in the blood. The solution must not be mixed with or added to solutions containing other medications.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Accidental overdose may occur, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Symptoms of overdose may be similar to the known side effects at therapeutic doses, but may be more severe and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Treatment is supportive, and meropenem can be removed by haemodialysis. If an overdose is suspected, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.
Do not stop taking meropenem before your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to treatment failure and contributing to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections such as colds or influenza.
What Are the Side Effects of Meropenem Fresenius Kabi?
Quick Answer: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash, and injection-site reactions. Uncommon side effects include fungal infections (thrush), changes in blood counts, and liver enzyme elevations. Rare but serious effects include seizures and severe allergic reactions.
Like all medicines, Meropenem Fresenius Kabi can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve after treatment is completed. However, some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Stop receiving meropenem and contact a doctor immediately if you experience: severe rash, itching, or hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or wheezing; severe skin blistering or peeling; high fever with rash and swollen lymph nodes. These may be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR).
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 patients
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Skin rash, itching (pruritus)
- Pain, redness, and inflammation at the injection site
- Increased platelet count (thrombocytosis)
- Changes in liver function tests (raised transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, LDH)
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 patients
- Oral or vaginal candidiasis (thrush)
- Inflammation of the intestine with diarrhea (antibiotic-associated colitis)
- Decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia) – may lead to easier bruising
- Increased or decreased white blood cell counts (eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia)
- Elevated bilirubin levels
- Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (indicating kidney effects)
- Decreased blood potassium (hypokalaemia) – may cause weakness, cramps, or heart rhythm disturbances
- Hepatic injury: jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, pale stools
- Paraesthesia (tingling, numbness, or prickling sensation)
- Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein at the injection site)
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients
- Seizures (convulsions) – more likely in patients with renal impairment or CNS disorders
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions to meropenem are uncommon but can be life-threatening. Symptoms may appear suddenly and include:
- Severe rash, itching, or hives (urticaria) over the body
- Swelling (angioedema) of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling faint (signs of anaphylactic shock)
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions
Rare but potentially life-threatening skin reactions have been reported with meropenem. These include:
- DRESS syndrome (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) – characterized by widespread rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and abnormalities in liver blood tests and blood cell counts.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) – severe blistering and peeling of the skin, often preceded by flu-like symptoms. These conditions may involve the mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, genitals).
- Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) – widespread red rash with small pustules (raised bumps filled with pus), accompanied by fever.
Haemolytic Anaemia
Damage to red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) has been reported at an unknown frequency. Symptoms may include unexpected breathlessness during normal activities and red or brown discoloration of the urine. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
How Should You Store Meropenem Fresenius Kabi?
Quick Answer: Store unopened vials below 30°C. Do not freeze. Once reconstituted, use immediately or within specified timeframes depending on the diluent and storage temperature. Reconstituted solutions must never be frozen.
Proper storage of meropenem is essential to maintain its stability and effectiveness. Incorrect storage can lead to degradation of the active ingredient, reducing its antimicrobial potency and potentially generating harmful breakdown products.
Unopened Vials
- Store at or below 30°C (86°F)
- Do not freeze
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging (EXP). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month
Reconstituted Solutions – For Injection (Bolus)
Reconstituted solutions for intravenous injection should be used immediately. The total time from the start of reconstitution to the completion of the injection must not exceed:
- 3 hours when stored at up to 25°C (77°F)
- 12 hours when stored in a refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F)
Reconstituted Solutions – For Infusion
Stability of the reconstituted infusion solution depends on the diluent used:
| Diluent | Room Temperature (up to 25°C) | Refrigerated (2–8°C) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9% Sodium chloride | Up to 6 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| 5% Glucose solution | Up to 1 hour | Up to 8 hours |
From a microbiological standpoint, the reconstituted solution should be used immediately unless the method of reconstitution and dilution has been validated to exclude the risk of microbial contamination. Reconstituted solutions must never be frozen. Do not use the solution if it appears discoloured or contains visible particles.
Do not dispose of unused meropenem via household waste or down the drain. Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal. This helps protect the environment and reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance from environmental contamination.
What Does Meropenem Fresenius Kabi Contain?
Quick Answer: The active ingredient is meropenem (as meropenem trihydrate). The only inactive ingredient is anhydrous sodium carbonate, which acts as a pH buffer. The product is a white to pale yellow powder supplied in glass vials.
Active Ingredient
The active substance is meropenem (as meropenem trihydrate):
- Meropenem 500 mg vial: Each 20 mL vial or 100 mL bottle contains 500 mg meropenem (as meropenem trihydrate)
- Meropenem 1 g vial: Each 20 mL vial, 50 mL or 100 mL bottle contains 1,000 mg (1 g) meropenem (as meropenem trihydrate)
Inactive Ingredient
The only excipient is anhydrous sodium carbonate, which serves as a pH buffer to ensure the correct acidity of the reconstituted solution. This excipient is the source of the sodium content mentioned in the warnings section.
Appearance and Packaging
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is a white to pale yellow powder for solution for injection or infusion. It is supplied in glass vials sealed with a rubber stopper and aluminium crimp cap. Each package contains 1 or 10 vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.
Manufacturer
Meropenem Fresenius Kabi is manufactured by ACS Dobfar S.p.A. (Teramo, Italy) and LABESFAL – Laboratórios Almiro S.A. (Santiago de Besteiros, Portugal), both part of the Fresenius Kabi Group.
Why Is Responsible Antibiotic Use Important?
Quick Answer: Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest global health threats. Using meropenem responsibly – taking the correct dose for the prescribed duration – helps preserve its effectiveness for future patients who need it.
Antibiotics, including meropenem, are effective only against bacterial infections. They have no effect on infections caused by viruses, such as colds, influenza, or most cases of bronchitis and sore throat. Using antibiotics unnecessarily or incorrectly contributes to the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity. Carbapenems like meropenem are especially important because they are often the last effective treatment option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. When bacteria become resistant to carbapenems (carbapenem-resistant organisms, or CROs), treatment options become extremely limited and outcomes worsen significantly.
To help protect the effectiveness of meropenem and other antibiotics:
- Complete the full prescribed course – Even if you feel better before the course is finished, stopping early allows surviving bacteria to multiply and potentially develop resistance.
- Take the correct dose at the right time – Follow your healthcare provider's instructions precisely regarding dose amount, timing, and administration method.
- Never share antibiotics – Antibiotics prescribed for you are specific to your infection. Sharing them with others can be ineffective or harmful.
- Never use leftover antibiotics – Return any remaining medication to your pharmacy for proper disposal.
- Only use antibiotics when prescribed – Do not pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics if they are not needed.
According to The Lancet (2022), antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, and contributed to an estimated 4.95 million deaths. Responsible use of reserve antibiotics like meropenem is critical to slowing this trend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meropenem Fresenius Kabi
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections including pneumonia (including hospital-acquired), complicated urinary tract infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections (such as peritonitis), bacterial meningitis, complicated skin and soft tissue infections, lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, and febrile neutropenia. It is also used for bacteremia (bloodstream infections) associated with these conditions. Meropenem is typically reserved for infections that do not respond to narrower-spectrum antibiotics.
Meropenem is given exclusively by intravenous (IV) route – either as a bolus injection over approximately 5 minutes or as an infusion over 15 to 30 minutes. It is usually administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital. In some cases, patients or caregivers may be trained to give meropenem at home through a peripheral cannula, PICC line, or central venous catheter. The powder must be reconstituted with sterile water for injections before administration.
Yes, meropenem is approved for use in children aged 3 months and older. The dose is calculated based on the child's body weight, typically ranging from 10 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg given every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection. Children weighing over 50 kg receive adult doses. Meropenem is not recommended for infants under 3 months of age due to insufficient safety data in this age group.
Meropenem dramatically reduces the blood levels of valproic acid (sodium valproate), an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. This interaction can lower valproic acid levels by 60% to 100% within 1 to 2 days, which can lead to dangerous loss of seizure control. The mechanism is not fully understood but may involve increased metabolism and reduced absorption of valproic acid. Because of this critical interaction, meropenem should not be given to patients taking valproic acid. Alternative antibiotics or alternative anticonvulsants should be used.
There is limited clinical data on meropenem use during human pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown harmful effects on embryonic or fetal development, but as a precaution, meropenem should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk. For serious or life-threatening infections where no safer alternative is available, your doctor may decide that the benefit of meropenem treatment justifies its use. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor if you are receiving meropenem.
Once reconstituted, meropenem solutions should ideally be used immediately. For injection (bolus), the solution must be used within 3 hours at room temperature or 12 hours refrigerated (2–8°C). For infusion with 0.9% sodium chloride, it remains stable for up to 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated. When diluted in 5% glucose, stability is reduced to 1 hour at room temperature or 8 hours refrigerated. Reconstituted solutions must never be frozen and should be discarded if discoloured or cloudy.
References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Meropenem – Summary of Product Characteristics. EMA Product Database. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List, 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- World Health Organization (WHO). AWaRe Classification of Antibiotics for Evaluation and Monitoring of Use, 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- Papp-Wallace KM, Endimiani A, Taracila MA, Bonomo RA. Carbapenems: Past, Present, and Future. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2011;55(11):4943–4960. doi:10.1128/AAC.00296-11.
- Murray CJL, et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet. 2022;399(10325):629–655. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0.
- Linden P. Safety profile of meropenem: an updated review of over 6,000 patients treated with meropenem. Drug Safety. 2007;30(8):657–668.
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2010;50(2):133–164.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Meropenem drug monograph. NICE BNF. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Meropenem – Prescribing Information. FDA Drug Label Database. Available at: www.accessdata.fda.gov.
- Nicolau DP. Pharmacodynamic optimization of beta-lactams in the patient care setting. Critical Care. 2008;12(Suppl 4):S2. doi:10.1186/cc6818.
Medical Editorial Team
Written by licensed physicians specializing in infectious disease and clinical pharmacology. All content follows international medical guidelines (WHO, EMA, FDA, IDSA) and the GRADE evidence framework.
Independently reviewed by the iMedic Medical Review Board – a panel of board-certified specialists who verify clinical accuracy, evidence quality, and guideline adherence. No commercial funding or pharmaceutical sponsorship influences our content.
Last medical review: . Next scheduled review: . This article is updated when new evidence or guideline changes become available.