Acute thrombocytopenia due to meropenem: a case report

Meropenem is a broad spectrum antibacterial drug from the carbapenem family. It is commonly used as an empirical antimicrobial in severe infections like pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, septicaemia, meningitis etc. Severe adverse effects with meropenem are rare (<1 %) which include hypersensitivity and hematologic adverse effects. In the literature, few cases have been reported of meropenem induced thrombocytopenia that has shown the immune mechanism by which thrombocytopenia occurs. Drug induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) can be a life threatening condition if not diagnosed and managed properly. As meropenem is being widely used in hospitals nowadays, it is important to be aware of the rare but serious adverse effects it causes.