Drug Study: Meropenem

DRUG NAME	CLASSIFICATION	DOSE	ACTION	CONTRAINDICATIONS	SIDE EFFECTS	NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Meropenem Brand Name: Meronem	Classification: Beta- Lactam Antibiotic Indication: The spectrum of action includes many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (including Pseudomonas) and anaerobic bacteria. More active against Enterobacteriaceae and less active against gram-positive bacteria. It is also very resistant to extended-spectrum beta lactamases but may be more susceptible to metallo-beta-lactamases.[1] Meropenem is frequently given in the treatment of febrile neutropenia. This condition frequently occurs in patients with hematological malignancies and cancer patients receiving anticancer drugs that cause bone marrow suppression..	Dose: 300 mg Route: TIV Frequency: Once	Meropenem is bactericidal except against Listeria monocytogenes where it is bacteriostatic. It inhibits bacterial wall synthesis like other beta-lactam antibiotics. In contrast to other beta-lactams, it is highly resistant to degradation by beta-lactamases or cephalosporinases. Resistance generally arises due to mutations in penicillin binding proteins, production of metallo-beta-lactamases, or resistance to diffusion across the bacterial outer membrane..	· Allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. · Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. · Pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.	· The most common adverse effects are diarrhea (4.8%), nausea and vomiting (3.6%), injection-site inflammation (2.4%), headache (2.3%), rash (1.9%), and thrombophlebitis (0.9%). ·  Many of these adverse effects were observed in the setting of severely ill individuals who were already taking many medications. Meropenem also has a reduced potential for causing seizures in comparison withimipenem. ·  Several cases of severe hypokalemia have been reported.	·                   Meropenem must be administered intravenously. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder to be dissolved in 5% monobasic potassium phosphate solution. Dosing must be adjusted for altered kidney function and for haemofiltration. ·                   Before you administer meropenem, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks.