A 48-year-old man on ICU has epilepsy on sodium valproate. He needs IV meropenem for severe sepsis. The pharmacist flags a critical interaction. What ...

Question

A 48-year-old man on ICU has epilepsy on sodium valproate. He needs IV meropenem for severe sepsis. The pharmacist flags a critical interaction. What is it?

Accepted Answer

Meropenem reduces valproate levels by 60-90% within 24 hours, causing potentially life-threatening breakthrough seizures - the combination should be avoided; use an alternative antibiotic or switch the anticonvulsant

Answer

Meropenem increases valproate toxicity

Answer

No interaction exists

Answer

Valproate reduces meropenem efficacy

Answer

Only affects oral meropenem

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Meropenem-Valproate Interaction

A 48-year-old man on ICU has epilepsy on sodium valproate. He needs IV meropenem for severe sepsis. The pharmacist flags a critical interaction. What is it?