A Review on Meropenem

Abstract

Meropenem is a new Carbapenem antibacterial agent with wide spectrum of activity for intravenous administration. It is synthetic derivative of Thienamycin. Three analogues of Meropenem are evaluated and active against 18 bacterial strains. Meropenem causes rapid bacterial cell death by covalently binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBS). Structural modification at C-2 position, produced double promoiety prodrug of Meropenem and increases bioavailability of oral administration. Other forms of drug such as liposome and nanoparticles are also available with enhanced absorption. 14C labelled Meropenem prepared from 14C Dimethylamine hydrochloride is used for the analysis of M. tuberculosis transpeptidase. ICI213,689 is the only metabolite of Meropenem and it is inactive. Meropenem penetrates well into the body fluids and tissues including cerebrospinal fluid. Its bioavailability is 100% on intravenous administration. Hence it is used in the treatment of meningitis, febrile neutropenia, anthrax and various other skin and skin structure infections. Dosage reduction is required in patient with reduced renal function but not in hepatic impairment. Seizures, gastrointestinal haemorrhage are observed in patients. Vabmoere is the combination of Meropenem and Vaborbactam which is active against the Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriacea. Meropenem is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial drug for the treatment of wide range of infection including polymicrobial infection in both children and adult.