TADUS, Kimberly A.

BSN202 Group 8B
Drug Name Generic name: Meropenem Brand name: Merrem Classification Indications & Dosage Indications: y For serious infections caused by grampositive or gramnegative organisms Dosage: y IV Susceptible infections 0.5-1 g 8 hrly. Meningitis 2 g 8 hrly. Cystic fibrosis Up to 2 g 8 hrly. Skin infections 500 mg 8 hrly. Diabetic foot; Intra-abdominal infections 1 g 8 hrly. Contraindications Contraindications: y Hypersensitivity to meropenem or imipenem y Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; headache; constipation; rash, pruritus, uticaria; apnoea; phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, swelling and pain at inj site; disturbances in LFTs (may cause increases in serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase). Rarely: erythema multiforme; eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia; seizures and CNS effects reported in patients with underlying CNS disorders or renal impairment. y Assess patient for previous sensitivity reaction to carbapenems Assess patient for signs and symptoms of infection, including characteristics of wounds, sputum, urine, stool Complete C/S tests before beginning drug therapy Assess for allergic reactions, anaphylaxis Identify urine output Monitor blood studies Monitor electrolytes Assess bowel pattern daily Monitor for bleeding Adverse Effect Nursing Responsibilities

Belongs to the class of carbapenems. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.

y y y y y

Precautions: Pregnancy, lactation, renal disease, elderly

TADUS, Kimberly A. BSN202 Group 8B

Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis; pseudomembranous colitis; Stevens-Johnsons sydrome.