Meropenem
Pronounced mer-oh-PEN-em
Brand names: Merrem
Type: Carbapenem antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
What Meropenem is used for
- Serious hospital infections of the abdomen, lungs, and skin
- Meningitis (hospital)
- Infections resistant to many other antibiotics
◆ Kidney note
Dose is lowered when kidney function is reduced — dosing is often timed around dialysis sessions.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
Important cautions
- Can lower the level of the seizure medicine valproate, risking seizures — the combination is avoided
- People with a serious penicillin allergy should discuss alternatives
How it comes
Injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.