Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MEROPENEM versus PRIMAXIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MEROPENEM versus PRIMAXIN.
MEROPENEM vs PRIMAXIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Meropenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), specifically PBP 2 and PBP 3, leading to cell death.
Imipenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell death. Cilastatin prevents renal metabolism of imipenem by inhibiting dehydropeptidase I.
1-2 g IV every 8 hours, infused over 15-30 minutes; typical dose 1 g q8h for complicated infections. Extended infusion over 3 hours may be used for resistant organisms.
1 g (imipenem 500 mg + cilastatin 500 mg) IV every 6 hours for adults with normal renal function. Maximum 4 g/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateMeropenem + Probenecid
"The serum concentration of Probenecid can be increased when it is combined with Meropenem."
Clinical Note
moderateMeropenem + Valproic acid
"The serum concentration of Valproic acid can be decreased when it is combined with Meropenem."
Clinical Note
moderateMeropenem + Picosulfuric acid
"The therapeutic efficacy of Picosulfuric acid can be decreased when used in combination with Meropenem."
1.0-1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 4-6 hours in moderate renal impairment (CrCl 10-50 mL/min) and up to 7-10 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min).
Terminal elimination half-life: 1 hour. In patients with impaired renal function, half-life extends up to 4-6 hours in moderate impairment and >10 hours in severe impairment.
Renal: 70% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary: <2% excreted in bile. Fecal: ~2%.
Renal (approximately 70% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion) and 20-30% biliary/fecal.
Category A/B
Category C
Carbapenem Antibiotic
Carbapenem Antibiotic