Indications (PNDF):

For the treatment of moderate to severe infections caused by susceptible microorganisms, including:

• Intra-abdominal infections
• Meningitis (bacterial)
• Pneumonia (community-acquired and hospital-acquired)
• Urinary tract infections (complicated)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Gynecologic infections
• Septicemia and bacteremia
• Febrile neutropenia (empiric therapy)

Dosage and Administration:

Adults:

• Usual dose: 500 mg IV every 8 hours
• Severe infections (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis): 1 g IV every 8 hours
• Meningitis: 2 g IV every 8 hours (as per physician order)
• Renal impairment (CrCl < 51 mL/min): Adjust dose according to renal function

Children (≥3 months):

• 10–40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours, depending on infection severity (max 2 g per dose)

Neonates (<3 months):

• 20 mg/kg IV every 8–12 hours

Reconstitution & Administration:

• For IV bolus: Reconstitute each vial (500 mg or 1 g) with 10 mL sterile water for injection
  • Administer slowly over 3–5 minutes
• For IV infusion: Reconstitute with 10 mL sterile water, then further dilute in 50–200 mL compatible IV fluid (0.9% NaCl or 5% Dextrose)
  • Infuse over 15–30 minutes
• Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe or infusion line
• Use immediately after reconstitution; discard unused portion

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to carbapenems, penicillins, or other β-lactam antibiotics

Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment and history of seizures or CNS disorders
• Prolonged use may result in superinfection (e.g., C. difficile–associated diarrhea)
• Adjust dose in elderly and renally impaired patients
• Monitor renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions during prolonged therapy

Adverse Reactions:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Rash, pruritus
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Thrombophlebitis at injection site
• Rare: Seizures (especially in renal impairment), hypersensitivity reactions, C. difficile colitis

Pregnancy Category (PNDF):

Category B – Animal studies show no risk; use only if clearly indicated.