CLASS

>Antibiotic

ACTION
>Bactericidal: Inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall and causes cell death in susceptible cells.

INDICATIONS
>Susceptible intra-abdominal infections caused by viridans group streptococci, E.coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, B. fragilis, B. thetaoimicron, and Peptostretococcus >Bacterial meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, N. meningitides in pediatric patients 3 mo and older. >Treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections due to S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, viridians group streptococci, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Peptostreptococcus species >Unlabeled uses: Community acquired pneumonia, therapy for patients with febrile neutropenia

CONTRAINDICATIONS
>Contraindicated with allergy to cephalosporins, penicillins, betalactams; lactation. >Use cautiously with CNS disorders, seizures, renal or hepatic impairment, pregnancy.

ADVERSE EFFECTS
>CNS: Headache, dizziness, lethargy, paresthesias, insomnia >GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, flatulence, pseudomembranous colitis, liver toxicity >Other: Superinfections, abscess, inflammation at injection site, phlebitis, rash, uticaria, pruritus

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
>Culture infected area and arrange for sensitivity tests before beginning therapy. >Monitor for superinfections and arrange treatment appropriately. >This drug can only be given IV. >Discontinue drug at any sign of colitis and arrange for appropriate supportive treatment.

GENERIC: >meropenem BRAND: >Merrem IV

GOZUM, ELLA JOYCE A. BSN 4Y1-3 GROUP 632-B