A systematic review 1 including 12 RCTs with a total of 1 919 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Meropenem can be used effectively as empirical monotherapy in moderate to severe intra-abdominal infections. It also showed potential in the most severe forms of infection, although experience in this infection type remains limited.
Compared with standard combination regimens, meropenem offers the benefits of ease of administration without the need for monitoring. It also offers improved central nervous system tolerability, compared with imipenem or cilastatin, with the option of a higher maximum dosage; this may be a particular advantage in patients with severe intra-abdominal infections.
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