Meropenem

What is meropenem?

Meropenem is an antibiotic used to treat multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections in cats and dogs. Due to its use for multi-drug resistant infections in humans, meropenem’s use in veterinary medicine is limited to susceptible infections with documented resistance to other antimicrobials.

Its use is off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet meropenem?

• Meropenem comes in an injectable form.
• Injections are given subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into a muscle), or intravenously (into a vein).
• Follow your veterinarian’s or veterinary pharmacist’s directions on how to prepare and draw up the medication.
• Follow your veterinarian’s or veterinary pharmacist’s directions on how and where to administer the medication.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you give an injection or mix a vial. Dispose of used sharps in a designated sharps container.
• Follow your veterinarian’s or veterinary pharmacist’s advice on storage and discard times.
• Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours, though effects may not immediately be noticed. 

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended time as prescribed by your veterinarian for the next dose. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from meropenem?

Meropenem may cause the following side effects:

• Stinging or pain at injection site
• Fur loss or discoloration of fur at injection site

The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
• Loss of appetite (especially in cats), pale gums, increased drinking and urination

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This medication is short-acting, meaning that effects will last less than 24 hours, though effects may last longer in pets with kidney or liver disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE meropenem in pets who:

• Are allergic to any component of the medication or allergic to similar drugs (e.g., imipenem) 

USE WITH CAUTION in pets who:

• Have kidney disease

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with meropenem, including: 

• Aminoglycosides
• Probenecid

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up visits for monitoring. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If these occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store meropenem?

• Store unmixed vials at room temperature. Once mixed, refrigerate.
• Follow storage and expiration recommendations for specially compounded and reconstituted formulas.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Adverse effects should be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.