Meropenem
Also known as: Merrem I.V., Meronem, Meropen, Optinem, Zeropenem
Meropenem is a powerful antibiotic typically reserved for serious, resistant infections. * **Administration:** Because of the severity of the infections it treats, your pet will usually receive this medication while hospitalized. However, for certain conditions like resistant urinary tract infections, you may be instructed to give subcutaneous (under the skin) injections at home. * **Technique:** If giving injections at home, ensure you understand the proper technique. You may notice slight hair loss at the injection sites; this is generally harmless. * **Storage:** Follow your veterinarian's storage instructions strictly, as reconstituted liquid meropenem has a limited shelf life and usually requires refrigeration. * **Completion:** Always complete the entire course of antibiotics prescribed, even if your pet seems completely better, to prevent the bacteria from returning and becoming even more resistant.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Pharmacokinetic data
- Bacteremia/sepsis
- UTI
- CNS infections
- Systemic infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Bacteremia/sepsis
- UTI
- CNS infections
- Systemic infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Susceptible infections (Small dogs)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Slight hair loss over SC injection sites
- Nausea (reported in humans)
- Vomiting (reported in humans)
- Diarrhea (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
- History of anaphylaxis after receiving any beta-lactam antibiotic
- **Warnings and Precautions:** * **Antimicrobial Stewardship:** Use should be limited or avoided unless absolutely necessary to prevent the development of resistant bacterial strains that might infect humans. * **Hypersensitivity:** Use with caution in patients with known allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins due to potential cross-reactivity. * **Pregnancy/Lactation:** FDA Category B in humans (likely safe). It is considered likely safe to use during lactation. * **Renal Impairment:** While safer than aminoglycosides, dosage adjustments (e.g., extending the dosing interval) may be necessary in severe renal failure (e.g., serum creatinine > 4 mg/dL).
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides: In vitro evidence of synergy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Probenecid: May increase serum concentrations and elimination half-life of meropenem
Frequently asked questions
What is Meropenem used for in pets?
Meropenem is a powerful antibiotic typically reserved for serious, resistant infections. * **Administration:** Because of the severity of the infections it treats, your pet will usually receive this medication while hospitalized. However, for certain conditions like resistant urinary tract infections, you may be instructed to give subcutaneous (under the skin) injections at home. * **Technique:** If giving injections at home, ensure you understand the proper technique. You may notice slight hair loss at the injection sites; this is generally harmless. * **Storage:** Follow your veterinarian's storage instructions strictly, as reconstituted liquid meropenem has a limited shelf life and usually requires refrigeration. * **Completion:** Always complete the entire course of antibiotics prescribed, even if your pet seems completely better, to prevent the bacteria from returning and becoming even more resistant.
Is Meropenem safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app