Generic name: meropenem [ mer-oh-PEH-nem ]
Drug class: Carbapenems

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 14, 2023.

What is Merrem?

Merrem is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Merrem is used to treat severe infections of the skin or stomach.

Merrem is also used to treat bacterial meningitis (infection that causes inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord).

Warnings

Before you receive Merrem, tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to any antibiotic medications.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use Merrem if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to meropenem or to certain antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor, cefdinir, cefixime, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others;

• avibactam, relebactam, sulbactam, tazobactam, vaborbactam, and others; or

• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag), ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any penicillin antibiotic;

• a head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

It is not known whether Merrem will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, triamcinolone

How is Merrem given?

Use Merrem exactly as directed. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Merrem is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Merrem must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use this medicine if you don not understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Do not mix other injectable medications in the same IV bag or tubing with Merrem.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not mix other injectable medications in the same IV bag or tubing with Merrem. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Meropenem will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you use Merrem long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store unopened vials at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.

After mixing your medicine, you must use it within a certain number of hours. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at cool room temperature, or in a refrigerator). Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Merrem?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Merrem side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Merrem (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or "thrush");

• severe tingling or numbness; or

• low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common Merrem side effects may include:

• headache;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• rash; or

• anemia.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Merrem?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• divalproex sodium;

• probenecid; or

• valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with meropenem, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Merrem only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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