Meropenem-Vaborbactam (Vaborem®)
General Information
Carbapenem and beta-lactamase inhibitor antibiotic
Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Reserve'. All indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.
For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF
Standard Dose
| Intravenous dose | |
| Standard dose |
2g meropenem / 2g vaborbactam (4g) TDS |
- Each vial contains 1g meropenem + 1g vaborbactam.
- Standard dose of 4g meropenem-vaborbactam is 2g meropenem + 2g vaborbactam, which is 2 vials.
Obesity
No dose adjustment required
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
|
Creatinine clearance (ml/min)* |
Intravenous dose |
Frequency |
|
40 and above |
Dose as in normal renal function |
|
|
20–39 |
1g meropenem / 1g vaborbactam (2g) |
TDS |
|
10–19 |
1g meropenem / 1g vaborbactam (2g) |
BD |
|
Less than 10** |
500mg meropenem / 500mg vaborbactam (1g) |
BD |
|
HDF/High flux or PD |
Dialysed; give post-dialysis on dialysis days Dose as in CrCl less than 10ml/min |
|
*dose ranges use creatinine clearance, rather than eGFR.
**In severe infection, 1g meropenem / 1g vaborbactam (2g) every 12 hours can be used in CrCl less than 10ml/min
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment necessary but monitor LFTs closely.
MHRA Drug Safety Alerts
MHRA Drug Safety Update (December 2014) Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended
- There is a clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and sodium valproate or valproic acid, which results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control.
- If the patient is already prescribed sodium valproate or valproic acid and meropenem-vaborbactam is recommended, discuss with Micro/ID and the relevant clinical team.
- OUH Weekly Safety Message 365 about Interaction between Sodium Valproate and Carbapenem Antibiotics can be found HERE (February 2026)
References
- A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale SRL. Vaborem 1 g/1 g powder for concentrate for solution for infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 2/10/25. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 2/2/26
- British National Formulary. Meropenem-vaborbactam. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 2/2/26
- The Renal Drug Database. VABOREM (meropenem and varbobactam). Last updated 11/09/23. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 2/2/26
- Sanford guide [online]. Meropenem-vaborbactam. Last updated 23/1/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 2/2/26
- Sanford Guide [online]. Obesity dosing adjustment. Last updated 21/1/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 2/2/26
- MHRA. Drug Safety update (December 2014). Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended. Accessed at https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/carbapenems-concomitant-use-with-valproic-acid-not-recommended