Meropenem trihydrate: A synthetic compound from the class of carbapenems

Introduction

Meropenem trihydrate (MRP) is a synthetic compound from the class of carbapenems. A thienamycin derivative antibacterial agent that is more stable to renal dehydropeptidase I than IMIPENEM but does not need to be given with an enzyme inhibitor such as CILASTATIN. It is used to treat bacterial infections, including infections in immunocompromised patients.

Benefits

MRP is administered as an intravenous infusion and has antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as anaerobic microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Citrobacter sp. It is indicated for the treatment of serious bacterial infections, including complicated skin infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, urinary tract infections, severe pneumonia, broncho-pulmonary infections, and bacterial meningitis[1].

MRP, like other carbapenems, is characterized by high susceptibility to degradation under elevated temperature and humidity, both in solution and solid state. Consequently, such conditions can lead to degradation of its key element—the β-lactam ring, responsible for the antibacterial activity of the compound. For these reasons, the possibilities offered by radiation sterilization, which is conducted in a solid state, seem to be the most advantageous for MRP.

Meropenem trihydrate and meropenem

Meropenem Kabi 500 mg powder for solution for injection or infusion: Each vial/bottle contains meropenem trihydrate equivalent to 500 mg anhydrous meropenem. Meropenem Kabi 1 g powder for solution for injection or infusion: Each vial/bottle contains meropenem trihydrate equivalent to 1 g anhydrous meropenem.

References

[1] Karolina Kilińska. “The Radiostability of Meropenem Trihydrate in Solid State.” Molecules 23 11 (2018).

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