Who is this for?
What is this drug?
Meropenem is a very strong antibiotic given through injection (drip or IV) that works by killing a wide range of bacteria. It belongs to a powerful group of antibiotics called carbapenems, which are usually reserved for serious infections that other antibiotics cannot handle.
What is it used for?
Serious bacterial infectionssevere pneumoniaserious stomach and abdominal infectionsmeningitis (brain infection)serious skin infectionsurinary tract infections that have not responded to other antibioticssepsis (serious blood infection)hospital-acquired infections
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Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
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How to take this drug
This drug is NOT taken by mouth — it is given as an injection into your vein (IV) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital. The usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g given every 8 hours. For very serious infections like meningitis, the dose may be increased to 2 g every 8 hours. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and how long you need it based on how serious your infection is.
What if I Miss a Dose?
Since this drug is given by healthcare workers in a hospital, missed doses are rare. However, if a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible and the regular schedule resumed. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
What to watch out for
This is a hospital-only drug — do not attempt to buy and inject it yourself at home or from roadside medicine sellers. Always complete the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better, to prevent antibiotic resistance which is a serious problem in Nigeria. Do not share this medication or use leftover portions for another person's illness.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhoea or loose stool
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- rash or itching at the injection site
- stomach pain
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reaction — difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face or throat
- or widespread rash (seek emergency help immediately). Seizures or convulsions
- especially in people with kidney problems or brain conditions. Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea that does not stop
- which could be a sign of a dangerous gut infection.
Drug Interactions
Valproic acid (a drug used for epilepsy/convulsions) — Meropenem can seriously reduce its effectiveness, making seizures more likely. Probenecid (used for gout) — can increase the level of Meropenem in your blood and raise the risk of side effects. Always tell your doctor about every drug you are currently taking before starting Meropenem.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Meropenem with your other drugs?
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning
Meropenem should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before use.
Who Should NOT Take This
- People who are allergic to Meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics (such as imipenem or ertapenem). People with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics should inform their doctor
- as there may be cross-sensitivity. People with kidney problems need dose adjustments — your doctor must be informed.
How to Store
Store the unopened powder vials at room temperature, below 30°C — avoid direct sunlight and damp areas, which is important in Nigeria's humid climate. Once mixed with water for injection, it should be used within the time your pharmacist specifies (usually within a few hours). Keep away from children at all times.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Brand Names
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Brand Packaging Images
Genuine packaging for Meropenem Injection
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Meropenem Injection — Reference Image
NAFDAC Number
C4-1534
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Authenticity Checklist
If your packaging looks significantly different from this image, do not use the drug and report it below.