What Are the Known Adverse Effects of Meropenem? ?

Meropenem is generally well-tolerated, but it is not devoid of adverse effects. The most frequently reported events include:

• Gastrointestinal reactions: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia.
• Injection site complications: Pain, erythema, and thrombophlebitis.
• Allergic responses: Rashes, urticaria, and rare anaphylaxis, particularly in individuals with ?-lactam allergies.
• Neurological manifestations: Headache, dizziness, and seizures—though the seizure threshold is significantly lower compared to other carbapenems such as imipenem.
• Hepatobiliary disturbances: Rare cases of cholestatic hepatitis and transient elevations in liver enzymes.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Hypokalemia, potentially leading to cardiac arrhythmias if uncorrected.