Optimizing meropenem administration in ICU patients

A Pilot Study for Optimizing Meropenem Administration in the Intensive Care Unit - Short Six Times vs Prolonged Three Times Courses Daily

Not applicable Interventional Oslo University Hospital · NCT05578586

This study tests if giving the antibiotic meropenem in smaller, more frequent doses can work just as well for ICU patients with serious infections as the standard larger doses.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT05578586 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates whether administering the antibiotic meropenem as 1 gram in 15-minute infusions six times daily can achieve similar serum concentrations as the standard 2 grams in 3-hour infusions three times daily. The study focuses on patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who require intravenous access for treatment of serious infections. By comparing these two dosing regimens, the researchers aim to determine if shorter, more frequent infusions can maintain effective drug levels while potentially increasing the availability of intravenous access. The study will also monitor patient outcomes, including hospital stay duration and 30-day mortality rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older admitted to the ICU who require treatment with meropenem for serious infections.

Not a fit: Patients with known hypersensitivity to betalactam antibiotics, those using valproate, pregnant individuals, or those unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve antibiotic administration efficiency and patient outcomes in the ICU.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of meropenem administration, similar studies have explored alternative dosing strategies for antibiotics with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ≥ 18 years admitted to the ICU at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and
2. who shall be treated with meropenem because of proven or suspected serious infection and
3. who give their written informed consent either directly or through next of kin

Exclusion Criteria: Patients

1. with known hypersensistivity to betalactam antibiotics or
2. who use of valproat or
3. who are pregnant or
4. the lack of consent.

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Drug Effect
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.