Merrem (meropenem) 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 of brain or spinal cord).
Merrem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Merrem if you have a history of allergies to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin.
Before using Merrem?
You should not use Merrem if you are allergic to meropenem, or if you have a history of allergy to certain antibiotic medications, such as:
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amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, Timentin, Unasyn, Zosyn;
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cefdinir, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cephalexin, and other cephalosporin antibiotics;
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dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, ticarcillin; or
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any penicillin antibiotic.
To make sure Merrem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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history of head injury or brain tumor;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
FDA pregnancy category B. Merrem is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Meropenem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is Merrem given?
Merrem is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Merrem is usually given every 8 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Merrem must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Do not mix other injectable medications in the same IV bag or tubing used to given your Merrem injection.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Use Merrem for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Merrem will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
If you use this medication long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor"s office.
Store unopened vials of Merrem at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.
After mixing your medicine, you will need to 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Merrem and 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 any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Merrem: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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seizure (convulsions);
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sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or "thrush"); or
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pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating.
Common Merrem side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Merrem?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using during while using Merrem, especially:
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divalproex sodium;
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probenecid; or
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valproic acid.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Merrem, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
