Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My son age 43 quadriplegic is in hospital 6 wks with mysterious symptoms since pneumonia, he is on vent partially & had to have a trache to get off vent. ( nothing is getting better) I noticed the Antibiotic is Meropenem, Via IV ..... Since yesterday he is very lethargic. ( the Drs started this trim the for a pressure sore) Should I have them stop this drug because my son seems to have some of the side effects listed here?? Pls reply very serious matter. Thank you. Concerned mom Cathy
Hi Cathy, Thanks for your query and sorry to hear about your son’s condition. I have read your question and understand your concern.
In your son’s case, lethargy can be due to a number of factors such as, his original diagnosis (which is not yet clear), chest infection, being bed ridden for 6 weeks, low mood (which is quite significant), being on Vent, derangements in various body salts (electrolytes) etc. Meropenem, which is a strong antibiotic can also cause tiredness but it should not be solely held responsible for the problem. Therefore, I would recommend that you talk to his treating physician/s who should conduct a thorough assessment, which would include clinical examination and investigations, to find out the cause behind his tiredness. If necessary, meropenem can be replaced or other necessary support (psychological with/out medications) be commenced. Things are not simple for you but with proper plan a way forward can be sought. Hope this helps.
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Can Meropenem Cause Tiredness?
Hi Cathy, Thanks for your query and sorry to hear about your son’s condition. I have read your question and understand your concern. In your son’s case, lethargy can be due to a number of factors such as, his original diagnosis (which is not yet clear), chest infection, being bed ridden for 6 weeks, low mood (which is quite significant), being on Vent, derangements in various body salts (electrolytes) etc. Meropenem, which is a strong antibiotic can also cause tiredness but it should not be solely held responsible for the problem. Therefore, I would recommend that you talk to his treating physician/s who should conduct a thorough assessment, which would include clinical examination and investigations, to find out the cause behind his tiredness. If necessary, meropenem can be replaced or other necessary support (psychological with/out medications) be commenced. Things are not simple for you but with proper plan a way forward can be sought. Hope this helps.