But carbapenems can also be used Carbapenems, including meropenem, can be used for the treatment of meningitis. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232915-medication#4 Imipenem and meropenem penetrate into cerebrospinal fluid when meninges are inflamed. Meropenem is used for gram-negative bacillary meningitis; imipenem is not used in meningitis because it may cause seizures. Carbapenems - Infectious Diseases - MSD Manual Professional Edition