Selected Antimicrobial Information – Companion Animal
Meropenem [Companion]
Restriction Status
Protected
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | For multidrug resistant UTIs | 8mg/kg SQ q12h (extra-label use) |
| For bacteremia or sepsis | 12-24mg/kg IV q8h or consider CRI due to rapid renal clearance of IV bolus doses (extra-label use) | |
| For meningitis |
12-24mg/kg IV q8h or consider CRI due to rapid renal clearance of IV bolus doses (extra-label use) | |
| Dogs | For multidrug resistant UTIs | 8mg/kg SQ q12h (extra-label use) |
| For bacteremia or sepsis | 12-24mg/kg IV q8h or consider CRI due to rapid renal clearance of IV bolus doses (extra-label use) | |
| For meningitis | 12-24mg/kg IV q8h or consider CRI due to rapid renal clearance of IV bolus doses (extra-label use) |
Brand Name(s)
Merrem IV®
Background
Meropenem is a bactericidal, time-dependent carbapenem (β-lactam) antibiotic with broad-spectrum efficacy against Gram-positive aerobes, Gram-negative aerobes, and anaerobes. Many Enterobacteriaceae that are resistant to other antimicrobials will be susceptible to meropenem; therefore, use should be strictly reserved for infections caused by organisms that are resistant to other antimicrobial choices. Carbapenem resistance is a growing problem in human medicine and is expected to become an issue in veterinary medicine with time. Distribution of meropenem throughout the body is wide, and excretion is primarily in urine.
Acceptable Uses
- Treatment of severe infections that are culture-confirmed to be resistant to other antimicrobial choices. Particularly useful for Gram-negative infections.
Unacceptable Uses
- Empiric treatment, except in cases of sepsis or meningitis with a high index of suspicion for multidrug resistant infections.
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Meropenem 1g/20ml injectable suspension
- Meropenem 500mg/10ml injectable suspension
Notes
- Meropenem use in animals is highly controversial, and should only be considered as a last resort when other antimicrobial treatment options have been ruled out.
- Meropenem is on the protected antimicrobial list for the OSU-VMC, and approval must be obtained from the Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group prior to prescribing.
