meropenem, a miscellaneous antiinfective drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, enterococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, and B. thetaiotaomicron. It is also used to treat appendicitis and peritonitis caused by the viridans group of streptococci, as well as bacterial meningitis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or imipenem prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are seizures, pseudomembranous colitis, hepatitis, eosinophilia, neutropenia, and anaphylaxis. Other adverse effects include fever, somnolence, dizziness, weakness, myoclonia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, glossitis, hypotension, palpitations, decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, urticaria, pain at the injection site, phlebitis, erythema at the injection site, chest discomfort, dyspnea, and hyperventilation. Common side effects are headache, rash, and pruritus.
