Meropenem – Injection to Treat a Range of Bacterial Infections

There are various kinds of skin and abdominal diseases and infections that are a result of the bacterial invasion in our bodies. These infections are very common in children that fall below the age group of three months. However, there are many adults too that suffer from various bacterial infections. Meropenem injection comes under the category of medications that are antibacterial. The injection functions as an antibiotic and kills the bacteria that invades the body of the person.

Keep in mind that meropenem injection will not be effective in the case of viral infections like cough, cold, and flu. You should not take these antibiotics if you are not suffering from any infection caused by a bacteria. It will not secure you against contracting the infection later on and may even decrease the efficiency of the treatment.

What Are Meropenem Uses?

Women being administered an injection, Credit: Canva

The injection comes in a powder form. It is to be mixed with a liquid and then injected into the patient’s body. Meropenem is intravenously injected. It means that it is to be administered in the vein of the affected person. The injection is administered in an interval of eight hours. How long your meropenem treatment lasts, depends upon the severity of the infection and your body’s response to this antibiotic. All this will be prescribed by your doctor.

After the treatment is over, you will observe that the severity of your symptoms has receded. Your doctor will then make you take another antibiotic by mouth so as to complete the full treatment.

The meropenem injection is given in the hospital. You can also administer this medication to yourself at your home. However, you need to follow the instructions that your doctor advises you to . Carefully note the directions and do not harbour any doubt in your mind regarding it. Ask your doctor again if you are not sure about any step. Patients usually begin to notice an improvement in their health in the first few days of the meropenem treatment. If you find that it is taking too long for you to recover from the infection, then you may need to consult your healthcare provider again.

You need to keep using the meropenem injection till your prescription ends. Do not stop its usage in between the course. Doing this will make you prone to contracting the infection again. The bacteria may also become more resistant than before to the treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects of Meropenem?

Doctor administering an injection, Credit: Canva

The standard meropenem dose does not make you experience any kind of severe side effects. However, you may feel some common side effects that are mild in nature. It includes the following.

1. Headache

2. Upset stomach

3. Frequent bowel movements

4. Vomiting

5. Inflammation of the are where the injection has been administered

6. A tingling sensation

7. Problems in falling asleep

8. Mouth sores or throat sores

Do not ignore the length of these side effects. If you find that you’re experiencing a constant discomfort, then reach out for help. It may be a signal of an underlying disorder.

When to Stop Using Meropenem Injection?

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Not all side effects should be regarded as common. There are many side effects that can prove dangerous for your health if you tend to ignore them. It is important for you to get help from your doctor immediately if you encounter the following side effects.

1. Seizures

2. Frequent bowel movements. It may include stools that are bloody or watery. Cramps and fever may also accompany your diarrhea.

3. Itching sensation in the skin

4. Flushing or rash in the skin

5. Difficulty in taking breaths and swallowing food

6. Skin turning pale

7. Irregular heart beats

8. A sudden return of any symptom of the infection

These are unusual symptoms which are rarely seen after getting treated with meropenem. It demands the attention of your doctor. So do not wait to seek their help.

Precautions to Be Followed before Administering Meropenem

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You should follow the precautions mentioned below before injecting yourself with the meropenem.

1. Discuss in detail with your doctor or pharmacist about your allergies to various antibiotics like doripenem, ertapenem, or primaxin. You should also discuss your body’s reactions to antibiotics like ceftin and cephalexin. Discussing this aspect will prevent any complications in your body.

2. Talk with your doctor regarding all the prescription medications and nutritional supplements you are consuming. It will let your doctor tell you if the doses of your antibiotic need to be modified or not.

3. Communicate with your doctor regarding any seizures or brain lesions that you may have experienced before.

4. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you plan to conceive. Also, inform your doctor if you have conceived during the course of meropenem treatment.

5. Do not, under any circumstances drive any vehicle or work with any machinery after being injected with meropenem.

By now you must have gained a comprehensive understanding of the antibiotic meropenem that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The drug or the injection is safe for almost everyone. However, you need to keep in mind the precautions mentioned above and carefully follow the instructions that your doctor describes.