Pharmacology of Meropenem ; Pharmacokinetics, Mechanism of Action, Uses, Effects

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Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Here are some key points about its pharmacology:

Mechanism of Action
Meropenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This leads to bacterial cell lysis due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes2.

Spectrum of Activity
Meropenem is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, viridans group streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Distribution: Penetrates into most tissues and body fluids, including the urinary tract, peritoneal fluid, bone, bile, lung, bronchial mucosa, muscle tissue, and heart valves.

Metabolism: Not extensively metabolized; primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Elimination: The elimination half-life is approximately 1 hour in adults, but this can vary depending on renal function.

Protein Binding: Approximately 2%.

Dosage and Administration
Adults: Typically, the dose is 1 gram IV every 8 hours, not to exceed 2 grams IV every 8 hours.

Children: Dosage is adjusted based on body weight and renal function.

Neonates and Infants: Dosage is also adjusted based on body weight and renal function.

Side Effects
Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), allergic reactions, and injection site reactions. Rarely, it can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity1.

Drug Interactions
Meropenem can interact with other nephrotoxic drugs, increasing the risk of kidney damage. It should be used cautiously with medications that affect renal function1.

Indications
Meropenem is indicated for the treatment of various infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial meningitis
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