I-Penam 500 IV Injection | Infusion

✔️ Reconstitution Instructions

IV Bolus:

Reconstitute 500 mg or 1 g vial with sterile water for injection

IV Infusion:

Mix with compatible fluids like:

0.9% NaCl

5% or 10% glucose

5% glucose + sodium bicarbonate/sodium chloride

Mannitol 2.5% or 10%

Normosol-M in 5% glucose

🔄 Reconstituted solution remains stable for 3 hours at room temp or up to 13 hours if refrigerated (5°C).

✔️ When to Use I-Penam

I-Penam Injection is indicated for treating infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to Meropenem. Conditions include:

• Community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., peritonitis)
• Gynecological infections such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bacterial meningitis
• Sepsis and bloodstream infections (septicemia)
• Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients
• Empiric therapy for patients with febrile neutropenia

✔️ How I-Penam Works

Meropenem, the active component of I-Penam, inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. It:

• Penetrates the bacterial outer membrane efficiently
• Has strong affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)
• Shows stability against serine beta-lactamases

This makes it an excellent choice for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections.

✔️ Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Common infections: 500 mg IV every 8 hours
• Severe infections (nosocomial pneumonia, peritonitis, sepsis): 1 g IV every 8 hours
• Meningitis: 2 g IV every 8 hours
• Cystic fibrosis: Up to 2 g every 8 hours

Children (3 months to 12 years):

• 10–40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours, depending on severity
• Meningitis & cystic fibrosis: 40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
• Intra-abdominal infections: 20 mg/kg every 8 hours
• Febrile neutropenia: 20 mg/kg every 8 hours

🔹 Children over 50 kg should receive adult dosing.

• Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment required if creatinine clearance <51 mL/min
• Hepatic impairment: No dose change needed, but monitor liver function
• Elderly: No dose change unless renal function is compromised
• Children <3 months: Safety not established

✔️ Possible Side Effects

• Most patients tolerate I-Penam well. However, some may experience:
• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, inflammation)
• Skin rash, itching, or urticaria
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• Headache and rarely, seizures in patients with CNS disorders

✔️ How to Administer I-Penam

• IV infusion over 15–30 minutes or
• IV bolus over 3–5 minutes (after reconstitution with sterile water)

💡 Always prepare a fresh solution before administration.

✔️ Drug Interactions

Probenecid increases plasma levels of Meropenem by slowing renal excretion

Valproic acid levels may drop when used together, leading to a loss of seizure control

✔️ Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Meropenem or other beta-lactam antibiotics

✔️ Use in Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B: Safe only if needed

Lactation: Use caution, as the drug may pass into breast milk

✔️ Storage Guidelines

• Store below 30°C, protected from moisture and light
• Keep vials in a cool, dry place
• Keep out of reach of children