A Pilot Study for Optimizing Meropenem Administration in the ICU

Can antibiotic drugs be administered faster and make acceptable serum concentrations if we give short but multiple infusions compared to long and fewer infusions? In this study we will compare giving meropenem 1 gram 6 times daily in 15 minutes infusions to the recommended 2 gram 3 times daily in 3 hours infusions. In patients in the intensive care unit, the need for intravenous access is of essence. If 6 short infusions results in the same serum concentrations as 3 long infusions, we will increase intravenous access from 15 to 22.5 hours daily.