Meropenem
General Information
Formulary antimicrobial: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines. All other indications must be recommended/prescribed by a Micro/ID consultant or registrar.
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Reserve'. All indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.
For adult critical care areas only: Where using meropenem by continuous Infusion see Adult Intensive Care Medication Guidelines
Obesity
No dose adjustment required.
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
|
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) |
Where usual dose would be 500mg TDS meropenem |
Where usual dose would be 1g TDS meropenem |
Where usual dose would be 2g TDS meropenem |
|
Over 50 |
No dose adjustment required |
No dose adjustment required |
No dose adjustment required |
|
26-50 |
500mg BD |
1g BD |
2g BD |
|
10-25 |
500mg BD |
500mg TDS |
1g BD |
|
less than 10 |
500mg OD |
1g OD |
1g OD |
|
HD/HDF/High Flux/PD |
Dose as in eGFR less than 10ml/min/1.73m2. Dialysed; give after dialysis |
||
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment necessary but monitor liver function closely.
Notable interactions
- There is a clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and sodium valproate or valproic acid which results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control. If patient is already prescribed sodium valproate or valproic acid and meropenem is recommended discuss with Micro/ID and relevant medical team.
This is not a complete list. Please see the BNF, Summary of Product Characteristics or speak to a pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Discuss with pharmacy.
Breastfeeding
Discuss with pharmacy.
References
- Pfizer Limited, Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Meronem IV 1g Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion. Last revision of the text 06/24. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 26/03/18. Accessed 23/4/25
- The Renal Drug Database. Meropenem [Internet]. Last update 28/10/24. Accessed via https://www.renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 23/4/25
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Available from: https://www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 23/4/25
- MHRA. Drug Safety update (December 2014). Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended. Accessed at https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/carbapenems-concomitant-use-with-valproic-acid-not-recommended
- Sanford Guide. Meropenem [Internet] Last revision of the text: 22/4/25. Accessed 23/4/25