Meropenem

Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including infections caused by some drug-resistant bacteria. It blocks bacterial cell-wall synthesis and is usually given intravenously.

Penicillin-binding proteins: Enzymes that build and remodel bacterial cell walls, including the cross-links that strengthen peptidoglycan. Meropenem binds these enzymes and disrupts the final stages of cell-wall construction.
Sepsis: A life-threatening response to infection that causes organ dysfunction. Meropenem may be selected for severe suspected bacterial infections, including some cases of sepsis.
Imipenem: A carbapenem antibiotic commonly administered with cilastatin to limit its breakdown in the kidneys. It is a close classmate with a different adverse-effect and dosing profile.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales: Enterobacterales bacteria resistant to at least one carbapenem antibiotic. Their spread limits meropenem’s usefulness against serious Gram-negative infections.
Beta-lactam antibiotics: Antibiotics whose beta-lactam ring inhibits bacterial enzymes involved in cell-wall synthesis. Meropenem belongs to this large antibiotic family.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection. Intravenous meropenem is used for certain bacterial meningitis infections.
Ertapenem: A carbapenem antibiotic with once-daily dosing and no reliable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Unlike ertapenem, meropenem covers susceptible Pseudomonas.
KPC: A carbapenemase enzyme that can confer resistance to carbapenems in Enterobacterales. KPC-producing bacteria can inactivate meropenem.
Carbapenem: A class of beta-lactam antibiotics with broad activity against many bacteria. Meropenem is one member of this antibiotic class.
Intra-abdominal infection: An infection within the abdominal cavity, often involving multiple bacterial species. Meropenem’s broad activity can cover bacteria involved in severe complicated cases.

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