Meropenem

Meropenem

1. What is it? Drug class

   • Antibiotic

2. What is used for? Indication

   • Severe infections
   • Pneumonia
   • Sepsis
   • Meningitis

3. How is it given

   • Intravenous

4. Dose

   • • 0.5–1 g by IV bolus over 5 minutes or IV infusion over 15–30 minutes 8-hourly OR • (febrile neutropenia) 1 g by IV bolus over 5 minutes or IV infusion over 15–30 minutes 8-hourly OR • (meningitis) 2 g by IV bolus over 5 minutes or IV infusion over 15–30 minutes 8-hourly

5. Side effects

   • Rash
   • Hypersensitivity
   • Headache
   • Nausea
   • Liver dysfunction
     • Can cause sodium and water retention

6. Adverse effects

   • Thrombocytopenia
   • Anaphylaxis
   • Seizure

7. Nursing considerations

   • Measure fluid output
   • Observe for skin rashes
   • Assess PIVC
   • Patient education incl. information about hypersensitivity [if other drug allergy]
   • Assess for nausea / vomiting
   • Pain assessment
     • Side effect headache
   • Monitor vital signs
     • Assess if S&S for infection are improving eg. temperature, heart rate, blood pressure

8. How does it work? Mode of action

   • Kills / slows the growth of bacteria by inhibiting bacteria from invading the cells