Merobac - IV 500mg Injection

Uses of Merobac 500mg Injection

Used to treat bacterial infections such as:

• Pneumonia (including community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia)
• Urinary tract infections
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Gynecological infections such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Meningitis
• Septicaemia

How does Merobac 500mg Injection work?

Meropenem works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis, bacterial cell wall is required by the bacteria to grow. Hence, it kills the bacteria and also prevents it from growing.

Quick Suggestions:

• Meropenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
• It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
• Your doctor may monitor your kidney function and blood count while you are having treatment with this medication.

Indication of Merobac 500mg Injection

Merobac 500mg Injection is used to treat various bacterial infections, including:

• Bacterial Meningitis: It is effective in treating meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.
• Skin and Structure Infections: Merobac 500mg Injection is used to treat skin and structure infections like cellulitis and wound infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Intra-Abdominal Infections: It is used for the prevention of intra-abdominal infections caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.
• Pneumonia: Merobac 500mg Injection is effective in curing pneumonia, which is a lung infection caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

Pharmacology

Meropenem is a potent carbapenem antibiotic used through intravenous administration. It works by disrupting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to its bactericidal effect. It has strong activity against a wide range of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Meropenem is highly stable against serine β-lactamases and exhibits significant affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBP).

Dosage & Administration of Merobac 500mg Injection

Adult Dose:

• Intravenous Intra-abdominal infections: 1 g every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes.
• Skin and skin structure infections: 500 mg every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes.
• Cystic fibrosis, Meningitis: 2 g every 8 hours infused over approximately 15-30 minutes.
• Susceptible infections: 0.5-1 g every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes. No dosage adjustment needed for hepatic impairment.

Child Dose:

• Children: IV 60 mg/kg/day, maximum 3 g/day every 8 hours.
• Meningitis: IV 120 mg/kg/day, maximum 6 g/day every 8 hours.
• Intravenous Intra-abdominal infections: For children >3 months and weighing ≤50 kg: 20 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes. Maximum: 1000 mg.
• Skin and skin structure infections: For children >3 months and weighing ≤50 kg: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes. Maximum: 500 mg.
• Cystic fibrosis, Meningitis: For children >3 months and weighing ≤50 kg: 40 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes. Maximum: 2 g.
• Susceptible infections: For children >3 months and weighing ≤50 kg: 10 or 20 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV injection over approximately 3-5 minutes or infused over approximately 15-30 minutes.

Renal Dose:

• For patients with renal impairment (CrCl in ml/min):
  • 26-50: Usual dose every 12 hours.
  • 10-25: Half the usual dose every 12 hours.
  • <10: Half the usual dose every 24 hours.

Administration:

• MEROPENEM is administered through intravenous (IV) infusion over 15-30 minutes or IV bolus over 3-5 minutes.

Interaction

Meropenem  can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It may interact with anti-epilepsy medicines like valproic acid and divalproex sodium, as well as with anti-gout medicine probenecid.

It is also advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Meropenem, as it may worsen drowsiness and mental alertness.

In addition, caution should be exercised in patients with a history of brain or brain tumor, epilepsy, kidney disease, or those undergoing dialysis when using Meropenem .

Contraindications

Merobac 500mg Injection should not be used in individuals who have a hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems, or those with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Class B pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of pregnant women. Therefore, this drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly necessary. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when administering meropenem to breastfeeding women.

Precautions & Warnings

• Do not take Merobac 500mg Injection if you are allergic to meropenem or any of its ingredients, or if you have had a severe reaction to it in the past.
• Inform your doctor about any history of kidney disease, seizures (fits), or epilepsy before taking Meropenem.
• If you experience watery and bloody stools, seek medical attention immediately, as it could be a sign of a new infection.
• Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine-containing products like coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, or chocolate while taking Merobac 500mg Injection, as it may increase nervousness, sleeplessness, and anxiety caused by caffeine.
• Take probiotics after completing the full course of Meropenem to help restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can also be helpful.
• Include fiber-rich foods in your diet to support the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice can be beneficial.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other fluids while taking Meropenem.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages with Meropenem, as they can lead to dehydration and may affect your sleep.
• Do not take valproic acid with Meropenem, as it is contraindicated.
• Regularly monitor your kidney function and blood count while on Meropenem treatment.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place (below 30oC), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.