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Meropenem

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Meropenem
Generic name
Meropenem
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
7
NDC product codes
23
Packages
25
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Meropenem 1 g/1 1722934 View
Meropenem 1 g/20mL 1722934 View
Meropenem 1 g/30mL 1722934 View
Meropenem 2 g/1 1722934 View
Meropenem 500 mg/1 1722934 View
Meropenem 500 mg/10mL 1722934 View
Meropenem 500 mg/20mL 1722934 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
48

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Carbapenems [CS] CS 7 members — no class page
Penem Antibacterial [EPC] EPC 7 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
091404
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
October 26, 2011
Sponsor
ACS DOBFAR
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
13
Products approved under application 091404.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
091404-001 MEROPENEM INJECTABLE MEROPENEM Prescription AP RS
091404-002 MEROPENEM INJECTABLE MEROPENEM Prescription AP RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 091404.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 32 Labeling Approved May 20, 2026 Standard
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved May 20, 2026 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved July 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 19 Labeling Approved July 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved July 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 16 Labeling Approved July 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved July 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved July 22, 2015 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved July 22, 2015 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved July 22, 2015 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved July 22, 2015 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 10, 2014 —
Original application 1 Approved October 26, 2011 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260826). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260826 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251212 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250716 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250609

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Warnings and Precautions Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (5.2) 6/2018 Warnings and Precautions, Rhabdomyolysis (5.3) 12/2024

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meropenem for injection (I.V.) is a penem antibacterial indicated for the treatment of: 4. Complicated skin and skin structure infections (adult patients and pediatric patients 3 months of age and older only). ( 1.1 ) 5. Complicated intra-abdominal infections (adult and pediatric patients). ( 1.2 ) 6. Bacterial meningitis (pediatric patients 3 months of age and older only). ( 1.3 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) and other antibacterial drugs, Meropenem for injection (I.V.) should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. 1.1 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients 3 Months of Age and Older Only) Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) is indicated for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, viridans group streptococci , Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates only), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species. 1.2 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (Adult and Pediatric Patients) Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) is indicated for the treatment of complicated appendicitis and peritonitis caused by viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Bacteroides fragilis , B. thetaiotaomicron , and Peptostreptococcus species. 1.3 Bacterial Meningitis (Pediatric Patients 3 Months of Age and Older Only) Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) is indicated for the treatment of bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae , Neisseria meningitidis and penicillin-susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae . Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) has been found to be effective in eliminating concurrent bacteremia in association with bacterial meningitis. 1.4 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) and other antibacterial drugs, Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 500 mg every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) for adult patients. When treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended. (2.1) 1 gram every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 minutes to 30 minutes for intra-abdominal infections for adult patients. (2.1) 1 gram every 8 hours by intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) over 3 minutes to 5 minutes for adult patients. (2.1) Dosage should be reduced in adult patients with renal impairment. (2.2) Recommended Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval Greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal) Every 8 hours 26 to 50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10 to 25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours Less than 10 One-half recommended dose Every 24 hours Pediatric patients 3 months of age and older Recommended Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients 3 Months of Age and Older with Normal Renal Function (2.3) Type of Infection Dose (mg/kg) Up to a Maximum Dose Dosing Interval Complicated skin and skin structure* 10 500 mg Every 8 hours Intra-abdominal 20 1 gram Every 8 hours Meningitis 40 2 gram Every 8 hours - Intravenous infusion is to be given over approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. - Intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) is to be given over approximately 3 minutes to 5 minutes. - There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. *20 mg/kg (or 1 gram for pediatric patients weighing over 50 kg) every 8 hours is recommended when treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa (2.3) . Pediatric patients less than 3 months of age Recommended Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients Less than 3 Months of Age with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections and Normal Renal Function (2.3) Age Group Dose (mg/kg) Dose Interval Infants less than 32 weeks GA and PNA less than 2 weeks 20 Every 12 hours Infants less than 32 weeks GA and PNA 2 weeks and older 20 Every 8 hours Infants 32 weeks and older GA and PNA less than 2 weeks 20 Every 8 hours Infants 32 weeks and older GA and PNA 2 weeks and older 30 Every 8 hours - Intravenous infusion is to be given over 30 minutes. - There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. GA: gestational age and PNA: postnatal age 2.1 Adult Patients The recommended dose of meropenem for injection (I.V.) is 500 mg given every 8 hours for skin and skin structure infections and 1 gram given every 8 hours for intra-abdominal infections. When treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended. Meropenem for injection (I.V.) should be administered by intravenous infusion over approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Doses of 1 gram may also be administered as an intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) over approximately 3 minutes to 5 minutes. 2.2 Use in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Dosage should be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less. (See dosing table below.) When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula (Cockcroft and Gault equation) 1 may be used to estimate creatinine clearance. Males: Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) Females: 0.85 x above value Table 1: Recommended Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval Greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal) Every 8 hours 26 to 50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10 to 25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours Less than 10 O …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Single dose clear glass vials of meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.) containing 500 mg or 1 gram (as the trihydrate blended with anhydrous sodium carbonate for re-constitution) of sterile meropenem powder. 500 mg Meropenem for Injection Vial (3) 1 gram Meropenem for Injection Vial (3)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meropenem for injection (I.V.) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)-lactams. 2. Known hypersensitivity to product components or anaphylactic reactions to β-lactams. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving β-lactams. ( 5.1 ) Severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving meropenem for injection. ( 5.2 ) Rhabdomyolysis: If signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are observed, discontinue meropenem for injection and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.3 ) Seizures and other adverse CNS experiences have been reported during treatment. ( 5.4 ) Co-administration of meropenem for injection with valproic acid or divalproex sodium reduces the serum concentration of valproic acid potentially increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. ( 5.5 , 7.2 ) Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis) has been reported. Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.6 ) In patients with renal dysfunction, thrombocytopenia has been observed. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with β-lactams. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions when treated with another β-lactam. Before initiating therapy with Meropenem for injection, it is important to inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, other β-lactams, and other allergens. If an allergic reaction to Meropenem for injection occurs, discontinue the drug immediately. 5.2 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), erythema multiforme (EM) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in patients receiving Meropenem for injection [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ]. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, meropenem should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment should be considered. 5.3 Rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis has been reported with the use of meropenem [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . If signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis such as muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, dark urine or elevated creatine phosphokinase are observed, discontinue meropenem for injection and initiate appropriate therapy. 5.4 Seizure Potential Seizures and other adverse CNS experiences have been reported during treatment with Meropenem for injection. These experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) or with bacterial meningitis and/or compromised renal function [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) ]. During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with the overall seizure rate being 0.7% (based on 20 patients with this adverse event). All meropenem-treated patients with seizures had pre-existing contributing factors. Among these are included prior history of seizures or CNS abnormality and concomitant medications with seizure potential. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with advanced age and/or adult patients with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) ]. Close adherence to the recommended dosage regimens is urged, especially in patients with known factors that predispose to convulsive activity. Continue anti-convulsant therapy in patients with known seizure disorders. If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, evaluate neurologically, placed on anti-convulsant therapy if not already instituted, and re-examine the dosage of Meropenem for injection to determine whether it should be decreased or discontinued. 5.5 Risk of Breakthroug …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Seizure Potential [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Clostridium difficile – associated Diarrhea [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Overgrowth of Nonsusceptible Organisms [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Thrombocytopenia[ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Potential for Neuromotor Impairment [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Most common adverse reactions (2% or less) are: headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, and rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Patients: During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with Meropenem for injection (I.V.) (500 mg or 1 gram every 8 hours). Deaths in 5 patients were assessed as possibly related to meropenem; 36 (1.2%) patients had meropenem discontinued because of adverse events. Many patients in these trials were severely ill and had multiple background diseases, physiological impairments and were receiving multiple other drug therapies. In the seriously ill patient population, it was not possible to determine the relationship between observed adverse events and therapy with Meropenem for injection (I.V.). The following adverse reaction frequencies were derived from the clinical trials in the 2904 patients treated with Meropenem for injection (I.V.) Local Adverse Reactions Local adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for injection (I.V.) were as follows: Inflammation at the injection site 2.4% Injection site reaction 0.9% Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis 0.8% Pain at the injection site 0.4% Edema at the injection site 0.2% Systemic Adverse Reactions Systemic adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for injection (I.V.) occurring in greater than 1% of the patients were diarrhea (4.8%), nausea/vomiting (3.6%), headache (2.3%), rash (1.9%), sepsis (1.6%), constipation (1.4%), apnea (1.3%), shock (1.2%), and pruritus (1.2%). Additional systemic adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for injection (I.V.) and occurring in less than or equal to 1% but greater than 0.1% of the patients are listed below within each body system in order of decreasing frequency: Bleeding events were seen as follows: gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.5%), melena (0.3%), epistaxis (0.2%), hemoperitoneum (0.2%). Body as a Whole: pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, back pain, abdominal enlargement, chills, pelvic pain Cardiovascular: heart failure, heart arrest, tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope Digestive System: oral moniliasis, anorexia, cholestatic jaundice/jaundice, flatulence, ileus, hepatic failure, dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction Hemic/Lymphatic: anemia, hypochromic anemia, hypervolemia Metabolic/Nutritional: peripheral edema, hypoxia Nervous System: insomnia, agitation, delirium, confusion, dizziness, seizure, nervousness, paresthesia, hallucinations, somnolence, anxiety, depression, asthenia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) and ( 5.9 ) ] Respiratory: respiratory disorder, dyspnea, pleural effusion, asthma, cough increased, lung edema Skin and Appendages: urtic …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 3. Co-administration of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) with probenecid inhibits renal excretion of meropenem and is therefore not recommended ( 7.1 ) 4. The concomitant use of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) and valproic acid or divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. ( 5.4 , 7.2 ) 7.1 Probenecid Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of meropenem. Co-administration of probenecid with meropenem is not recommended. 7.2 Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid’s glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. If administration of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) is necessary, then supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [ see Warnings and Precautions( 5.4 ) ].

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 2. Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment is necessary, if creatinine clearance is 50 mL/min or less. ( 2.2 , 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriages with meropenem in pregnant women. No fetal toxicity or malformations were observed in pregnant rats and Cynomolgus monkeys administered intravenous meropenem during organogenesis at doses up to 2.4 and 2.3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area comparison, respectively. In rats administered intravenous meropenem in late pregnancy and during the lactation period, there were no adverse effects on offspring at doses equivalent to approximately 3.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Meropenem administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis (Gestation Day 6 to Gestation Day 17) in intravenous doses of 240, 500, and 750 mg/kg/day was associated with mild maternal weight loss at all doses, but did not produce malformations or fetal toxicity. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal toxicity in this study was considered to be the high dose of 750 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 2.4 times the MRHD of 1 gram every 8 hours based on body surface area comparison). Meropenem administered intravenously to pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis from Day 20 to 50 after mating at doses of 120, 240, and 360 mg/kg/day did not produce maternal or fetal toxicity at the NOAEL dose of 360 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.3 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In a peri-postnatal study in rats described in the published literature 2 , intravenous meropenem was administered to dams from Gestation Day 17 until Lactation Day 21 at doses of 240, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day. There were no adverse effects in the dams and no adverse effects in the first generation offspring (including developmental, behavioral, and functional assessments and reproductive parameters) except that female offspring exhibited lowered body weights which continued during gestation and nursing of the second generation offspring. Second generation offspring showed no meropenem-related effects. The NOAEL value was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 3.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Meropenem has been reported to be excreted in human milk. No information is available on the effects of meropenem on the breast-fed child or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from Meropenem for Injection (I.V.) or from the underlying maternal conditions. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) have been established for pediatric patients 3 months of age and older with complicated skin and skin structure infections and bacterial meningitis, and for pediatric patients of all ages with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Skin and Skin Structure Infections Use of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) in pediatric patients 3 months of age and older with complicated skin and skin structure infections is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study in adults and additional data from pediatric pharmacokinetics studies [ see Indications and Usage( 1.3 ) , Dosage and Administration( 2.3 ) , Adverse Reactions( 6.1 ) , Clinical Pharmacology( 12.3 ) …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Meropenem is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology ( 12.4 ) ].

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Meropenem for Injection, USP is a sterile, pyrogen-free, synthetic, carbapenem antibacterial for intravenous administration. It is (4R,5S,6S)-3-[[(3S,5S)-5-(Dimethylcarbamoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]thio]-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid trihydrate. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 25 N 3 O 5 S•3H 2 O with a molecular weight of 437.52. Its structural formula is: Meropenem for Injection, USP is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. The solution varies from colorless to yellow depending on the concentration. The pH of freshly constituted solutions is between 7.3 and 8.3. Meropenem, USP is a colorless to white or light yellow crystals or crystalline powder and is soluble in 5% monobasic potassium phosphate solution, sparingly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in hydrated ethanol, and practically insoluble in acetone or ether. When re-constituted as instructed, each 1 gram Meropenem for Injection, USP vial will deliver 1 gram of meropenem, USP and 90.2 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (3.92 mEq). Each 500 mg Meropenem for Injection, USP vial will deliver 500 mg meropenem, USP and 45.1 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (1.96 mEq) [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. chemical structure

10 OVERDOSAGE In mice and rats, large intravenous doses of meropenem (2200 mg/kg to 4000 mg/kg) have been associated with ataxia, dyspnea, convulsions, and mortalities. Intentional overdosing of Meropenem for injection (I.V.) is unlikely, although accidental overdosing might occur if large doses are given to patients with reduced renal function. The largest dose of meropenem administered in clinical trials has been 2 grams given intravenously every 8 hours. At this dosage, no adverse pharmacological effects or increased safety risks have been observed. Limited postmarketing experience indicates that if adverse events occur following overdosage, they are consistent with the adverse event profile described in the Adverse Reactions section and are generally mild in severity and resolve on withdrawal or dose reduction. Consider symptomatic treatments. In individuals with normal renal function, rapid renal elimination takes place. Meropenem and its metabolite are readily dialyzable and effectively removed by hemodialysis; however, no information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Meropenem for Injection, USP is supplied in 20 mL and 30 mL single-dose injection vials containing sufficient meropenem to deliver 500 mg or 1 gram for intravenous administration, respectively. The dry powder should be stored at controlled room temperature 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) [see USP]. NDC 0143-9485-01 500 mg single-dose injection vial NDC 0143-9485-10 500 mg single-dose injection vial packaged in carton of 10 NDC 0143-9486-01 1 gram single-dose injection vial NDC 0143-9486-10 1 gram single-dose injection vial packaged in carton of 10 The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
31,954
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: MEROPENEM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
70121-1453-7 70121-1453 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70121-1453-7) / 30 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (70121-1453-1) May 9, 2016
70121-1454-7 70121-1454 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70121-1454-7) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (70121-1454-1) May 9, 2016
55150-207-20 55150-207 Eugia US LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (55150-207-20) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL March 27, 2017
55150-208-30 55150-208 Eugia US LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (55150-208-30) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL March 27, 2017
63323-507-20 63323-507 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-507-20) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-507-01) October 14, 2011
63323-507-21 63323-507 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-507-21) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-507-19) October 14, 2011
63323-507-25 63323-507 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-507-25) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-507-43) October 14, 2011
63323-508-25 63323-508 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-508-25) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-508-45) October 26, 2011
63323-508-30 63323-508 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-508-30) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-508-01) October 26, 2011
63323-508-31 63323-508 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-508-31) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-508-21) October 26, 2011
0143-9485-10 0143-9485 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0143-9485-10) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (0143-9485-01) August 25, 2026
0143-9486-10 0143-9486 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0143-9486-10) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (0143-9486-01) June 8, 2026
0409-0222-10 0409-0222 Hospira, Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0409-0222-10) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (0409-0222-01) December 6, 2022
0409-1390-51 0409-1390 Hospira, Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0409-1390-51) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (0409-1390-21) October 9, 2019
0409-1391-22 0409-1391 Hospira, Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0409-1391-22) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (0409-1391-21) October 9, 2019
0409-3412-10 0409-3412 Hospira, Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0409-3412-10) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL (0409-3412-01) December 6, 2022
25021-160-20 25021-160 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-160-20) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL November 1, 2025
25021-161-30 25021-161 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-161-30) / 30 mL in 1 VIAL November 1, 2025
44567-145-10 44567-145 WG Critical Care, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-145-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (44567-145-01) June 30, 2021
44567-146-10 44567-146 WG Critical Care, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-146-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (44567-146-01) June 30, 2021
44567-400-10 44567-400 WG Critical Care, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-400-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (44567-400-01) January 9, 2020
44567-401-10 44567-401 WG Critical Care, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-401-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (44567-401-01) January 9, 2020
44567-402-06 44567-402 WG Critical Care, LLC 6 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-402-06) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (44567-402-01) September 8, 2023
70594-075-02 70594-075 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70594-075-02) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS (70594-075-01) June 28, 2021
70594-076-02 70594-076 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70594-076-02) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS (70594-076-01) June 28, 2021
70121-1453 70121-1453 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — May 9, 2016
70121-1454 70121-1454 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — May 9, 2016
68001-323 68001-323 BluePoint Laboratories — April 30, 2017
68001-324 68001-324 BluePoint Laboratories — April 30, 2017
55150-207 55150-207 Eugia US LLC — March 27, 2017
55150-208 55150-208 Eugia US LLC — March 27, 2017
63323-507 63323-507 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC — October 14, 2011
63323-508 63323-508 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC — October 26, 2011
0143-9485 0143-9485 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — August 25, 2026
0143-9486 0143-9486 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — June 8, 2026
0409-0222 0409-0222 Hospira, Inc. — December 6, 2022
0409-1390 0409-1390 Hospira, Inc. — October 9, 2019
0409-1391 0409-1391 Hospira, Inc. — October 9, 2019
0409-3412 0409-3412 Hospira, Inc. — December 6, 2022
25021-160 25021-160 Sagent Pharmaceuticals — November 1, 2025
25021-161 25021-161 Sagent Pharmaceuticals — November 1, 2025
44567-145 44567-145 WG Critical Care, LLC — June 30, 2021
44567-146 44567-146 WG Critical Care, LLC — June 30, 2021
44567-400 44567-400 WG Critical Care, LLC — January 9, 2020
44567-401 44567-401 WG Critical Care, LLC — January 9, 2020
44567-402 44567-402 WG Critical Care, LLC — September 8, 2023
70594-075 70594-075 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC — June 28, 2021
70594-076 70594-076 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC — June 28, 2021

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

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