Can merrem be given to person with penicillin allergy?

Answer 1

Merrem (meropenem) has the same mechanism of action as penicilln -- the inhibition of synthesis of peptidoglycan cross-links in baterial cell wall. Therefore, some aspects of molecular structure of meropenem and penicilln have similarities and cross-reactivity of the immune system (particularly of antibodies) to both these antibiotics is theoretically possible.

However, the literature indicates that such cross-reactivity of relatively uncommon.
Still hypersensitivity reactions to meropenem in penicillin-allergic individuals are possilbe, so most authors recommend a meropenem skin test before this antibiotic can be given to individuals allergic  to penicillin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17310050
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18186815
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18467251