Meropenem — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Meropenem prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What will I pay for Meropenem if I have insurance?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific insurance plan and the fees your hospital or clinic charges for the infusion. Meropenem may be covered as a medical benefit under your plan rather than as a standard prescription drug. Contact your insurance provider and the facility administering your infusion to understand your copay and any available patient assistance programs that could further reduce your cost.
Does Medicare pay for Meropenem, and what is the cost?
Meropenem is typically covered under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, though it may also qualify for coverage as a medical benefit under Medicare Part B. Reach out to your Medicare plan representative or prescription drug coverage agent to clarify how your specific plan covers this antibiotic. Your healthcare facility may also offer additional savings options—ask them what payment assistance is available.
What brand names contain Meropenem?
Meropenem is available as a generic medication manufactured by companies including Sandoz and Fresenius Kabi. Pfizer produces the brand-name version, marketed as Merrem IV. Both the generic and brand-name forms contain the same active ingredient and work identically; the primary difference is typically the cost.
Meropenem prices at US pharmacies
Meropenem — solution reconstituted, 1gm, qty 9
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $45.17 | $42.17 |
| Walgreens | $62.05 | $59.05 |
| Publix | $72.71 | $69.71 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $93.00 | $90.00 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $93.00 | $90.00 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $102.04 | $99.04 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $102.04 | $99.04 |
Meropenem prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gm | SPFPharmacy.com | $64.16 | $641.55 |
| 1 gm | InhalersOnline.com | $65.77 | $657.74 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | SPFPharmacy.com | $36.59 | $365.88 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $39.53 | $395.33 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Meropenem used for?
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem — the same drug class as imipenem-cilastatin and ertapenem — used for serious infections where the causative bacteria may be resistant to first-line antibiotics or aren't yet identified. It covers an unusually wide range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms, including many that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that defeat penicillins and cephalosporins. Unlike imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem is FDA-approved to treat bacterial meningitis and crosses into cerebrospinal fluid well enough to do so, which is one of the practical reasons hospitals often choose it over imipenem for a suspected central nervous system infection.
Meropenem also carries a lower seizure risk than imipenem-cilastatin, making it a more common choice in patients with epilepsy or other CNS conditions — though it isn't risk-free. It has one clinically important interaction: co-administration with valproic acid or divalproex sodium can sharply lower valproate blood levels, sometimes enough to break seizure control, so a different antibacterial class is generally used in patients stabilized on valproate rather than combining the two. Probenecid also raises meropenem levels by blocking its kidney excretion and isn't recommended alongside it.
As with other broad-spectrum carbapenems, meropenem sits in WHO's Watch AWaRe category — hospitals track its use as part of antibiotic stewardship, since overreliance on carbapenems accelerates the development of carbapenem-resistant organisms, which are among the hardest infections to treat once they emerge.
How Meropenem works
Blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis
Meropenem binds to penicillin-binding proteins and halts the construction of the bacterial cell wall, the same core carbapenem mechanism.
Reaches difficult sites, including the brain
It penetrates cerebrospinal fluid effectively, which is why it's approved for bacterial meningitis, unlike some other carbapenems.
The bacterial cell dies
Without a functioning cell wall, the bacterium ruptures under its own internal pressure — active against a very broad range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Complicated intra-abdominal or skin infections (adults) | 1 g IV every 8 hours, adjusted for kidney function | IV infusion (reconstituted) |
| Bacterial meningitis (pediatric, 3 months+) | Higher weight-based dosing per infection severity | IV infusion (reconstituted) |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Injection or infusion site pain and irritation
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache
- Constipation
Serious — seek care promptly
- Seizures
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection)
- Signs of anemia (unusual fatigue, pale skin)
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meropenem for Injection, USP is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)-lactams. Known hypersensitivity to product components or anaphylactic reactions to β-lactams. ( 4 )
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Valproic acid / divalproex sodium | Meropenem can sharply lower valproate levels and break seizure control; combination generally avoided |
| Probenecid | Raises meropenem blood levels by blocking renal excretion; co-administration not recommended |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriages with meropenem in pregnant women. No fetal toxicity or malformations were observed in pregnant rats and Cynomolgus monkeys administered intravenous meropenem during organogenesis at doses up to 2.4 and 2.3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area comparison, respectively.
Meropenem, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Meropenem cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Meropenem?
What drug class is Meropenem in?
Learn more about Meropenem
In-depth answers to common Meropenem questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What is the uninsured price of Meropenem?
Without insurance coverage, meropenem typically costs around $163.82 for a 9-vial supply of 1 gram solution. Patients may be able to lower this cost by using discount programs, manufacturer coupons, or pharmacy price-comparison resources. Contact your healthcare facility to ask what payment assistance or discount options they accept.
What is Meropenem used for?
Meropenem is an FDA-approved antibiotic prescribed to treat three main types of bacterial infections: complicated infections within the abdominal cavity, complicated skin and soft tissue infections, and bacterial meningitis affecting the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A complicated infection is one involving tissue damage such as an abscess, or other factors that make standard antibiotic therapy less effective. Meropenem operates similarly to penicillin-based drugs—it prevents bacteria from building and maintaining their cell walls. Without an intact wall, bacteria lose their structural integrity and die as their contents leak out. The medication is given intravenously, usually every eight hours. Most infusions run for 15 to 30 minutes, though shorter injection times of three to five minutes are possible depending on the dose prescribed.
What are the possible side effects of Meropenem?
The most frequently reported side effects relate to the infusion or injection site itself—pain, irritation, redness, and localized soreness. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Rare but serious side effects can include anemia and seizures. Though allergic reactions to meropenem are uncommon, they can be severe, including anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition marked by breathing difficulty and dangerously low blood pressure. Since meropenem infusions occur in a clinical setting, healthcare staff will monitor you throughout and after the procedure. Alert your healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction. This list does not cover all possible side effects. Speak with your doctor about potential adverse effects or drug interactions before beginning treatment.
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Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Christopher J. Graber, M.D., MPH, FIDSA, Infectious Disease