Methods for Determination of Meropenem Concentration in Biological Samples

Abstract

Measuring the concentration of antibiotics in biological samples allow implementation of therapeutic monitoring of these drugs and contribute to the adjustment of the dosing regimen in patients. This increases the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy, reduces the toxicity of these drugs and prevents the development of bacterial resistance. This review article summarizes current knowledge on methods for determining concentration of meropenem, an antibiotic drug from the group of carbapenems, in different biological samples. It provides a brief discussion of the chemical structure, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of meropenem, different sample preparation techniques, use of apparatus and equipment, knowledge of the advantages and limitations of available methods, as well as directions in which new methods should be developed. This review should facilitate clinical laboratories to select and apply one of the established methods for measuring of meropenem, as well as to provide them with the necessary knowledge to develop new methods for quantification of meropenem in biological samples according to their needs.

Development and validation of a green RP-HPLC method for detection and quantitation of meropenem trihydrate in the bulk: A comparison with HPTLC method

“…It exerts its antimicrobial activity by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis; binding to and hindering the activity of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for cross-linking the peptidoglycan strands in the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial death. 1 MER is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. 2 Fig.…”

“…7 Later, many methods were developed, validated and published to fit different analytical situations; i.e., substance state, dosage form and excipients, 8,9 examined media (blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous solution). 1,10,11 Yet, there will always be a need to develop new methods with different conditions according to the available resources and apparatuses.…”