General Description: Meropenem. has been prescribed for your pet for the treatment of an infection caused by susceptible bacteria because other less expensive antibiotics were not effective or unacceptable because of their adverse effects. Meropenem. is supplied in 20 mL and 30 mL injection vials containing sufficient meropenem to deliver 500 mg or 1 g, respectively.
What is this drug?
A carbapenem antibiotic
Most often given by intravenous injection at veterinary hospitals
Reasons for prescribing:
Used for the treatment of an infection caused by susceptible bacteria because other less expensive antibiotics were not effective or unacceptable because of their adverse effects.
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Use with caution in pregnant pets
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic
Directions:
Meropenem is normally given in the hospital two to three times daily.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
The dry powder should be stored at controlled room temperature 20-25ºC (68-77ºF)
Freshly prepared solutions of meropenem should be used whenever possible. However, constituted solutions maintain satisfactory potency at controlled room temperature 15-25ºC (59- 77°F) or under refrigeration at 4°C (39°F). Solutions of intravenous meropenem should not be frozen.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
People with allergies to antibiotics should not handle this drug since allergic reactions could occur from contact.
Potential side effects:
Meropenem is generally well-tolerated, but there may be a slight hair color change at the injection site
Nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may be experienced
Allergic reactions are rare, but if your pet shows irregular breathing, rash, fever, hives, scratching, puffiness or facial swelling, or anything else unusual, stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with probenecid
C ompatibility of meropenem with other drugs has not been established. Do not mix meropenem with or physically add to intravenous solutions containing other drugs.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
This is just a summary of information about meropenem. If you have any questions or concerns about meropenem or for the condition it was prescribed, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, meropenem should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
