Antibiotics · Carbapenem β-lactam
Meropenem
Dose
1 g IV q8h (severe: 2 g q8h, e.g. meningitis)
Mechanism
Inhibits cell wall synthesis (binds PBP)
Dose adjustment
CrCl 25–50: q12h; CrCl 10–25: 500 mg q12h
Use
Severe sepsis, hospital-acquired infection, neutropenic sepsis, meningitis, intra-abdominal.
Monitoring
U&E, FBC, LFTs, drug levels not routine.
Side effects
- • Diarrhoea/C. diff
- • Rash
- • Seizures (high dose, renal impairment)
- • Thrombocytopenia
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
