Meropenem belongs to a class of medications called carbapenem antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections and is used to treat various bacterial infections, including bacterial meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). It is also used to treat exacerbations of chronic lower respiratory tract infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Meropenem does not work for virus or fungus infections.
Kanamycin is injected through a needle into a vein as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your infection.
Exacerbation of lower respiratory tract infections
Adult
2 g every 8 hours.
Child above 3 months
Body weight <50 kg: 40 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Body weight >50 kg: 2 g every 8 hours.
Bacterial infections
Adult
In severe infections and complicated infections, use 0.5-1 g every 8 hours.
Child above 3 months
Body weight <50 kg: 10-20 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Body weight >50 kg: Same as adult dose.
Bacterial meningitis
Adult
2 g every 8 hours.
Child under 3 months
Body weight <50 kg: 40 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Body weight >50 kg: 2 g every 8 hours.
Common dosing schedule:
Meropenem should be administered every 8 hours.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Meropenem may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Meropenem is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Meropenem in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!