Use of meropenem in the treatment of serious infections in children: review of the current literature.

Meropenem is a new beta-lactam carbapenem antibiotic that appears to be promising in the treatment of hospitalized infants and children with serious infections. It has broad-spectrum activity against microorganisms, including most of the major aerobic (gram-negative and gram-positive) and anaerobic pathogens that cause serious bacterial infections in neonates and children. In addition, its pharmacokinetic profile makes possible parenteral administration every 8 hours. Several studies have demonstrated that meropenem is an effective and safe treatment for infants and children with serious pediatric infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, intraabdominal infections, and skin and soft-tissue infections), bacterial meningitis, and cystic fibrosis. The results of further studies of the use of meropenem in the treatment of high-risk seriously ill infants and children are awaited with interest.