Meropenem Injection
TABLE OF CONTENTS
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of meropenem injection and other antibacterial drugs, meropenem injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
| 1. DESCRIPTION |  |
Meropenem for injection is a sterile, pyrogen-free, synthetic, broad-spectrum, carbapenem antibiotic for intravenous administration. It is (4R,5S,6S)-3-[[(3S,5S)-5-(Dimethylcarbamoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]thio]-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid trihydrate. Its empirical formula is C17H25N3O5S•3H2O with a molecular weight of 437.52. Its structural formula is:
Meropenem is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. The solution varies from colorless to yellow depending on the concentration. The pH of freshly constituted solutions is between 7.3 and 8.3. Meropenem is soluble in 5% monobasic potassium phosphate solution, sparingly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in hydrated ethanol, and practically insoluble in acetone or ether.
When constituted as instructed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; PREPARATION OF SOLUTION), each 1 g meropenem vial will deliver 1 g of meropenem and 90.2 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (3.92 mEq). Each 500 mg meropenem vial will deliver 500 mg meropenem and 45.1 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (1.96 mEq).
| 2. INDICATIONS AND USAGE | |
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of meropenem and other antibacterial drugs, meropenem should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Meropenem is indicated as single agent therapy for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms:
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Complicated skin and skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus (b-lactamase and non-b-lactamase producing, methicillin susceptible isolates only), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, viridans group streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis (excluding vancomycin-resistant isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Complicated appendicitis and peritonitis caused by viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and Peptostreptococcus species.
Bacterial Meningitis (Pediatric patients > 3 months only)
Bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae‡, Haemophilus influenzae (b-lactamase and non-b-lactamase-producing isolates), and Neisseria meningitidis.
‡ The efficacy of meropenem as monotherapy in the treatment of meningitis caused by penicillin nonsusceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae has not been established.
Meropenem has been found to be effective in eliminating concurrent bacteremia in association with bacterial meningitis.
For information regarding use in pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatrics, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections.
Appropriate cultures should usually be performed before initiating antimicrobial treatment in order to isolate and identify the organisms causing infection and determine their susceptibility to meropenem
Meropenem is useful as presumptive therapy in the indicated condition (i.e., intra-abdominal infections) prior to the identification of the causative organisms because of its broad spectrum of bactericidal activity.
Antimicrobial therapy should be adjusted, if appropriate, once the results of culture(s) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are known.
| 3. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION | |
Adults
The recommended dose of meropenem is 500 mg given every 8 hours for skin and skin structure infections and 1 g given every 8 hours for intra-abdominal infections. Meropenem should be administered by intravenous infusion over approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Doses of 1 g may also be administered as an intravenous bolus injection (5 to 20 mL) over approximately 3-5 minutes.
Use in Adults with Renal Impairment
Dosage should be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance less than 51 mL/min. (see dosing table below).
Table 1: Recommended Meropenem Dosage Schedule for Adults With Impaired Renal Function
When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula (Cockcroft and Gault equation) may be used to estimate creatinine clearance.
There is inadequate information regarding the use of meropenem in patients on hemodialysis.
There is no experience with peritoneal dialysis.
Use in Adults With Hepatic Insufficiency
No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with impaired hepatic function.
Use in Elderly Patients
No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients with creatinine clearance values above 50 mL/min.
Use in Pediatric Patients
For pediatric patients from 3 months of age and older, the meropenem dose is 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg every 8 hours (maximum dose is 2 g every 8 hours), depending on the type of infection (complicated skin and skin structure, intra-abdominal or meningitis). (See dosing table below.) Pediatric patientsweighing over 50 kg should be administered meropenem at a dose of 500 mg every 8 hours for complicated skin and skin structure infections, 1 g every 8 hours for intra-abdominal infections and 2 g every 8 hours for meningitis. Meropenem should be given as intravenous infusion over approximately 15 to 30 minutes or as an intravenous bolus injection (5 to 20 mL) over approximately 3-5 minutes.
Table 2: Recommended Meropenem Dosage Schedule for Pediatrics with Normal Renal Function
PREPARATION OF SOLUTION
For Intravenous Bolus Administration
Constitute injection vials (500 mg and 1g) with sterile Water for Injection. (See table below.) Shake to dissolve and let stand until clear.
Table 3: Meropenem Injection Preparation
For Infusion
Infusion vials (500 mg and 1g) may be directly constituted with a compatible infusion fluid (See COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY.) Alternatively, an injection vial may be constituted, then the resulting solution added to an I.V. container and further diluted with an appropriate infusion fluid. (See COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY.) WARNING: Do not use flexible container in series connections.
COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY
Compatibility of meropenem with other drugs has not been established. Meropenem should not be mixed with or physically added to solutions containing other drugs.
Freshly prepared solutions of meropenem should be used whenever possible. However, constituted solutions of meropenem maintain satisfactory potency at controlled room temperature 15-25ºC (59-77°F) or under refrigeration at 4°C (39°F) as described below. Solutions of intravenous meropenem should not be frozen.
Intravenous Bolus Administration
Meropenem injection vials constituted with sterile Water for Injection for bolus administration (up to 50 mg/mL of meropenem) may be stored for up to 2 hours at controlled room temperature 15-25°C (59-77°F) or for up to 12 hours at 4°C (39°F).
Intravenous Infusion Administration
Stability in Infusion Vials: Meropenem infusion vials constituted with Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% (meropenem concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 50 mg/mL) are stable for up to 2 hours at controlled room temperature 15-25°C (59-77°F) or for up to 18 hours at 4°C (39°F). Infusion vials of meropenem constituted with Dextrose Injection 5% (meropenem concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 50 mg/mL) are stable for up to 1 hour at controlled room temperature 15-25°C (59-77°F) or for up to 8 hours at 4°C (39°F).
Stability in Plastic I.V. Bags: Solutions prepared for infusion (meropenem concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mg/mL) may be stored in plastic intravenous bags with diluents as shown below:
Table 4: Stability in Plastic I.V. Bags
Stability in Baxter Minibag Plus: Solutions of meropenem concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg/mL) in Baxter Minibag Plus bags with Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% may be stored for up to 4 hours at controlled room temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) or for up to 24 hours at 4°C (39°F). Solutions of meropenem concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg/mL) in Baxter Minibag Plus bags with Dextrose Injection 5.0% may be stored up to 1 hour at controlled room temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) or for up to 6 hours at 4°C (39°F).
Stability in Plastic Syringes, Tubing and Intravenous Infusion Sets: Solutions of meropenem concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mg/mL) in Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% (for up to 4 hours) or in Dextrose Injection 5.0% (for up to 2 hours) at controlled room temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) are stable in plastic tubing and volume control devices of common intravenous infusion sets.
Solutions of meropenem concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mg/mL) in Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% (for up to 48 hours) or in Dextrose Injection 5% (for up to 6 hours) are stable at 4ºC (39ºF) in plastic syringes.
Note: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
| 4. CONTRAINDICATIONS | |
Meropenem is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to β-lactams.
| 5. MICROBIOLOGY | |
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The bactericidal activity of meropenem results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Meropenem readily penetrates the cell wall of most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to reach penicillin-binding-protein (PBP) targets. Its strongest affinities are toward PBPs 2, 3 and 4 of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and PBPs 1, 2 and 4 of Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal concentrations (defined as a 3 log10 reduction in cell counts within 12 to 24 hours) are typically 1-2 times the bacteriostatic concentrations of meropenem, with the exception of Listeria monocytogenes, against which lethal activity is not observed.
Meropenem has significant stability to hydrolysis by β-lactamases of most categories, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases produced by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Meropenem should not be used to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA).
In vitro tests show meropenem to act synergistically with aminoglycoside antibiotics against some isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Mechanism of Action
Meropenem exerts its action by penetrating bacterial cells readily and interfering with the synthesis of vital cell wall components, which leads to cell death.
| 6. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS | |
6.1 Usage in Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B
Reproductive studies have been performed with meropenem in rats at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day, and cynomolgus monkeys at doses of up to 360 mg/kg/day (on the basis of AUC comparisons, approximately 1.8 times and 3.7 times, respectively, to the human exposure at the usual dose of 1 g every 8 hours). These studies revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to meropenem, although there were slight changes in fetal body weight at doses of 250 mg/kg/day (on the basis of AUC comparisons, 0.4 times the human exposure at a dose of 1 g every 8 hours) and above in rats. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
6.2 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when meropenem is administered to a nursing woman.
6.3 Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of meropenem have been established for pediatric patients ≥ 3 months of age. Use of meropenem in pediatric patients with bacterial meningitis is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in the pediatric population. Use of meropenem in pediatric patients with intra-abdominal infections is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies with adults with additional data from pediatric pharmacokinetics studies and controlled clinical trials in pediatric patients. Use of meropenem in pediatric patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study with adults and additional data from pediatric pharmacokinetics studies. (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
6.4 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of meropenem, approximately 1100 (30%) were 65 years of age and older, while 400 (11%) were 75 years and older. Additionally, in a study of 511 patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections 93 (18%) were 65 years of age and older, while 38 (7%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects; spontaneous reports and other reported clinical experience have not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled
out.
A pharmacokinetic study with meropenem in elderly patients with renal insufficiency has shown a reduction in plasma clearance of meropenem that correlates with age-associated reduction in creatinine clearance. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; Use in Adults with Renal Impairment).
Meropenem is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
| 7. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS | |
WARNINGS
SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS RECEIVING THERAPY WITH β-LACTAMS. THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS.
THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS WHEN TREATED WITH ANOTHER β-LACTAM. BEFORE INITIATING THERAPY WITH MEROPENEM, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS, OTHER β-LACTAMS, AND OTHER ALLERGENS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO MEROPENEM OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG IMMEDIATELY. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE, OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION. OTHER THERAPY MAY ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED.
Seizure Potential:
Seizures and other CNS adverse experiences have been reported during treatment with meropenem (See PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.)
Carbapenems, including meropenem, may reduce serum valproic acid concentrations to subtherapeutic levels, resulting in loss of seizure control. Serum valproic acid concentrations should be monitored frequently after initiating carbapenem therapy. Alternative antibacterial or anticonvulsant therapy should be considered if serum valproic acid concentrations drop below the therapeutic range or a seizure occurs (see Drug Interactions).
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including meropenem, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy, CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Prescribing meropenem in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Seizures and other adverse CNS experiences have been reported during treatment with meropenem. These experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) or with bacterial meningitis and/or compromised renal function.
During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with the overall seizure rate being 0.7% (based on 20 patients with this adverse event). All meropenem-treated patients with seizures had pre-existing contributing factors. Among these are included prior history of seizures or CNS abnormality and concomitant medications with seizure potential. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with advanced age and/or reduced renal function. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Use in Adults with Renal Impairment.)
Close adherence to the recommended dosage regimens is urged, especially in patients with known factors that predispose to convulsive activity. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders. If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, patients should be evaluated neurologically, placed on anticonvulsant therapy if not already instituted, and the dosage of meropenem re-examined to determine whether it should be decreased or the antibiotic discontinued.
In patients with renal dysfunction, thrombocytopenia has been observed but no clinical bleeding reported. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Use in Adults with Renal Impairment.)
There is inadequate information regarding the use of meropenem in patients on hemodialysis.
As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use of meropenem may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms.
Repeated evaluation of the patient is essential. If superinfection does occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Information for Patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including meropenem should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold). When meropenem is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by meropenem or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.
Laboratory Tests
While meropenem possesses the characteristic low toxicity of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic, is advisable during prolonged therapy.
| 8. ADVERSE REACTIONS | |
Adult Patients
During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with meropenem (500 mg or 1000 mg q 8 hours). Deaths in 5 patients were assessed as possibly related to meropenem; 36 (1.2%) patients had meropenem discontinued because of adverse events. Many patients in these trials were severely ill and had multiple background diseases, physiological impairments and were receiving multiple other drug therapies. In the seriously ill patient population, it was not possible to determine the relationship between observed adverse events and therapy with meropenem
The following adverse reaction frequencies were derived from the clinical trials in the 2904 patients treated with meropenem
Local Adverse Reactions
Local adverse reactions that were reported irrespective of the relationship to therapy with meropenem were as follows: Inflammation at the injection site
2.4%, injection site reaction 0.9%, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis 0.8%, pain at the injection site 0.4%.
Systemic Adverse Reactions
Systemic adverse clinical reactions that were reported irrespective of the relationship to meropenem occurring in greater than 1.0% of the patients were diarrhea (4.8%), nausea/vomiting (3.6%), headache (2.3%), rash (1.9%), sepsis (1.6%), constipation (1.4%), apnea (1.3%), shock (1.2%), and pruritus (1.2%).
Additional adverse systemic clinical reactions that were reported irrespective of relationship to therapy with meropenem and occurring in less than or equal to 1.0% but greater than 0.1% of the patients are listed below within each body system in order of decreasing frequency:
Bleeding events were seen as follows: gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.5%), melena (0.3%), epistaxis (0.2%), hemoperitoneum (0.2%), summing to 1.2%.
Body as a Whole: pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, back pain, abdominal enlargement, chills, pelvic pain.
Cardiovascular: heart failure, heart arrest, tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope
Digestive System: oral moniliasis, anorexia, cholestatic jaundice/jaundice, flatulence, ileus, hepatic failure, dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction
Hemic/Lymphatic: anemia, hypochromic anemia, hypervolemia
Metabolic/Nutritional: peripheral edema, hypoxia
Nervous System: insomnia, agitation/delirium, confusion, dizziness, seizure (see PRECAUTIONS), nervousness, paresthesia, hallucinations, somnolence, anxiety, depression, asthenia
Respiratory: respiratory disorder, dyspnea, pleural effusion, asthma, cough increased, lung edema
Skin and Appendages: urticaria, sweating, skin ulcer
Urogenital System: dysuria, kidney failure, vaginal moniliasis, urinary incontinence
Adverse Laboratory Changes
Adverse laboratory changes that were reported irrespective of relationship to meropenem and occurring in greater than 0.2% of the patients were as follows:
Hepatic: increased SGPT (ALT), SGOT (AST), alkaline phosphatase, LDH, and bilirubin
Hematologic: increased platelets, increased eosinophils, decreased platelets, decreased hemoglobin, decreased hematocrit, decreased WBC, shortened prothrombin time and shortened partial thromboplastin time, leukocytosis, hypokalemia
Renal: increased creatinine and increased BUN
NOTE: For patients with varying degrees of renal impairment, the incidence of heart failure, kidney failure, seizure and shock reported irrespective of relationship to meropenem, increased in patients with moderately severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance >10 to 26 mL/min).
Urinalysis: presence of red blood cells
Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection
In a study of complicated skin and skin structure infection, the type of clinical adverse reactions were similar to those listed above.
The patients with the most common adverse events with an incidence of >5% were: headache (7.8%), nausea (7.8%), constipation (7.0%), diarrhea (7.0%), anemia (5.5%), and pain (5.1%). Adverse events with an incidence of >1%, and not listed above, include: pharyngitis, accidental injury, gastrointestinal disorder, hypoglycemia, peripheral vascular disorder, and pneumonia.
Pediatric Patients
Meropenem was studied in 515 pediatric patients (> 3 months to < 13 years of age) with serious bacterial infections (excluding meningitis. See next section.) at dosages of 10 to 20 mg/kg every 8 hours. The types of clinical adverse events seen in these patients are similar to the adults, with the most common adverse events reported as possibly, probably or definitely related to meropenem and their rates of occurrence as follows:
Diarrhea 3.5%
Rash 1.6%
Nausea and Vomiting 0.8%
Meropenem was studied in 321 pediatric patients (> 3 months to < 17 years of age) with meningitis at a dosage of 40 mg/kg every 8 hours. The types of clinical adverse events seen in these patients are similar to the adults, with the most common adverse events reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to meropenem and their rates of occurrence as follows:
Diarrhea 4.7%
Rash (mostly diaper area moniliasis) 3.1%
Oral Moniliasis 1.9%
Glossitis 1.0%
In the meningitis studies the rates of seizure activity during therapy were comparable between patients with no CNS abnormalities who received meropenem and those who received comparator agents (either cefotaxime or ceftriaxone). In the meropenem treated group, 12/15 patients with seizures had late onset seizures (defined as occurring on day 3 or later) versus 7/20 in the comparator arm.
There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment.
Post-marketing Experience
Worldwide post-marketing adverse events not otherwise listed in the product label and reported as possibly, probably, or definitely drug related are listed within each body system in order of decreasing severity.
Hematologic - agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and leukopenia; a positive direct or indirect Coombs test, and hemolytic anemia.
Skin - toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, angioedema, and erythema multiform.
| 9. OVERDOSAGE | |
In mice and rats, large intravenous doses of meropenem (2200-4000 mg/kg) have been associated with ataxia, dyspnea, convulsions, and mortalities.
Intentional overdosing of meropenem is unlikely, although accidental overdosing might occur if large doses are given to patients with reduced renal function. The largest dose of meropenem administered in clinical trials has been 2 g given intravenously every 8 hours. At this dosage, no adverse pharmacological effects or increased safety risks have been observed.
Limited post-marketing experience indicates that if adverse events occur following overdosage, they are consistent with the adverse event profile described in the Adverse Reactions section and are generally mild in severity and resolve on withdrawal or dose reduction. Symptomatic treatments should be considered. In individuals with normal renal function, rapid renal elimination takes place. Meropenem and its metabolite are readily dialyzable and effectively removed by hemodialysis; however, no information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.
| 10. DRUG INTERACTIONS | |
Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion and thus inhibits the renal excretion of meropenem. This led to statistically significant increases in the elimination half-life (38%) and in the extent of systemic exposure (56%). Therefore, the coadministration of probenecid with meropenem is not recommended.
A clinically significant reduction in serum valproic acid concentration has been reported in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics and may result in loss of seizure control. Although the mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood data from in vivo and animal studies suggest that carbapenem antibiotics may inhibit valproic acid glucuronide hydrolysis. Serum valproic acid concentrations should be monitored frequently after initiating carbapenem therapy. Alternative antibacterial or anticonvulsant therapy should be consdered if serum valproic acid concentrations drop below the therapeutic range or a seizure occurs (see WARNINGS).
| 11. PHARMACOKINETICS | |
At the end of a 30-minute intravenous infusion of a single dose of meropenem in normal volunteers, mean peak plasma concentrations are approximately 23 mg/mL (range 14-26) for the 500 mg dose and 49 mg/mL (range 39-58) for the 1 g dose. A 5-minute intravenous bolus injection of meropenem in normal volunteers results in mean peak plasma concentrations of approximately 45 mg/mL (range 18-65) for the 500 mg dose and 112 mg/mL (range 83-140) for the 1 g dose.
Following intravenous doses of 500 mg, mean plasma concentrations of meropenem usually decline to approximately 1 mg/mL at 6 hours after administration.
In subjects with normal renal function, the elimination half-life of meropenem is approximately 1 hour. Approximately 70% of the intravenously administered dose is recovered as unchanged meropenem in the urine over 12 hours, after which little further urinary excretion is detectable. Urinary concentrations of meropenem in excess of 10 mg/mL are maintained for up to 5 hours after a 500 mg dose. No accumulation of meropenem in plasma or urine was observed with regimens using 500 mg administered every 8 hours or 1 g administered every 6 hours in volunteers with normal renal function.
Plasma protein binding of meropenem is approximately 2%.
There is one metabolite which is microbiologically inactive.
Meropenem penetrates well into most body fluids and tissues including cerebrospinal fluid, achieving concentrations matching or exceeding those required to inhibit most susceptible bacteria. After a single intravenous dose of meropenem, the highest mean concentrations of meropenem were found in tissues and fluids at 1 hour (0.5 to 1.5 hours) after the start of infusion.
The pharmacokinetics of meropenem in pediatric patients 2 years of age or older are essentially similar to those in adults.
The elimination half-life for meropenem was approximately 1.5 hours in pediatric patients of age 3 months to 2 years. The pharmacokinetics are linear over the dose range from 10 to 40 mg/kg.
Pharmacokinetic studies with meropenem in patients with renal insufficiency have shown that the plasma clearance of meropenem correlates with creatinine clearance. Dosage adjustments are necessary in subjects with renal impairment. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Use in Adults with Renal Impairment.) A pharmacokinetic study with meropenem in elderly patients with renal insufficiency has shown a reduction in plasma clearance of meropenem that correlates with age-associated reduction in creatinine clearance.
Meropenem I.V. is hemodialyzable. However, there is no information on the usefulness of hemodialysis to treat overdosage. (See OVERDOSAGE.)
A pharmacokinetic study with meropenem in patients with hepatic impairment has shown no effects of liver disease on the pharmacokinetics of meropenem.
| 12. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING | |
1) How Available:
a) Brand name: MERREM I.V., by ASTRAZENECA.
b) Generic drugs: Meropenem, by various manufacturers.
2) How Supplied:
Meropenem for Injection I.V. (by HOSPIRA) is supplied in 20 mL and 30 mL injection vials containing sufficient meropenem to deliver 500 mg or 1 g for intravenous administration, respectively. The dry powder should be stored at 20 to 25ºC (68 to 77ºF). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
500 mg Injection Vial (NDC 0409-3505-01), 25 vials per carton.
1 g Injection Vial (NDC 0409-3506-01), 25 vials per carton.
3) Storage:
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). (See Controlled Room Temperature).
Rx only
Rev 06/10