Meropenem
A carbapenem for resistant infections: complicated XDR typhoid, ESBL organisms, hospital-acquired sepsis. Reserve it to preserve its effectiveness.
On this page
Uses
- Complicated or severe XDR typhoid.
- ESBL-producing and other resistant gram-negative infections.
- Hospital-acquired sepsis, febrile neutropenia (per policy).
- Meningitis with resistant organisms.
Adult dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Most infections | 1 g IV every 8 hours |
| Meningitis | 2 g IV every 8 hours |
Children's dose
20 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (max 1 g); 40 mg/kg every 8 hours (max 2 g) for meningitis.
Kidney and liver
| Creatinine clearance (mL/min) | Dose |
|---|---|
| 26–50 | 1 g every 12 hours |
| 10–25 | 500 mg every 12 hours |
| Below 10 | 500 mg every 24 hours |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use when benefits outweigh risks.
Side effects and cautions
- Diarrhoea, C. difficile, rash, seizures (rare).
- Lowers valproate levels dramatically: avoid the combination or use another antiepileptic.
- Use only when needed: carbapenem resistance is rising in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meropenem dose for typhoid?
1 g IV every 8 hours in adults (20 mg/kg every 8 hours in children) for complicated or severe XDR typhoid, often with azithromycin.
Does meropenem need kidney adjustment?
Yes, when creatinine clearance is below 50 mL/min.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.