ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/meropenem
US brand names:Merrem
Meropenem is dosed at 10–20 mg/kg IM q48h in ball pythons, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Ultra-broad spectrum beta-lactam. Binds PBPs 2 and 3. Stable against most beta-lactamases including AmpC and ESBLs. Bactericidal.
Reserve for serious MDR infections. Lower seizure risk than imipenem. Reconstituted solution stable only 1-4 hours at room temperature.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 7 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 12 mg/kg | q8-12h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 12–24 mg/kg | q8h | Moderate | Bidgood T, Papich MG. Plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue fluid concentrations of meropenem after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2002;63(12):1622-1628. doi:10.2460/ajvr.2002.63.1622 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.865 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.