Question 1

What is Meropenem used for?

Accepted Answer

Meropenem is indicated for: MDR infections, sepsis, Severe infections, Severe MDR infections, Severe resistant infections, Severe respiratory infections.

Question 2

What routes can Meropenem be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV, IM, SC.

Question 3

Which species have cited Meropenem dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Meropenem dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 7 species: African Grey Parrot, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Guinea Pig, Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Meropenem a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Meropenem is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Meropenem?

Accepted Answer

Reserve for serious MDR infections. Lower seizure risk than imipenem. Reconstituted solution stable only 1-4 hours at room temperature.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Meropenem?

Accepted Answer

Reserve for serious MDR infections. Lower seizure risk than imipenem. Reconstituted solution stable only 1-4 hours at room temperature.

Question 7

How does Meropenem work?

Accepted Answer

Ultra-broad spectrum beta-lactam. Binds PBPs 2 and 3. Stable against most beta-lactamases including AmpC and ESBLs. Bactericidal.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	12–24 mg/kg	q8h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	SC	12 mg/kg	q8-12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Meropenem

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Meropenem dosing data (9 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 9 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 9 cited rules)

Upgrade for Full Details