Imipenem/Cilastatin

Generic Name : Imipenem/Cilastatin

TradeName : Primaxin

Overview : Imipenem/Cilastatin is used in treatment of serious infections caused by bacteria. It is a carbapenem antibiotic which kills bacteria by blocking growth of the bacteria's cell wall.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Imipenem is an antibiotic that fights against serious infections caused by bacteria. Cilastatin helps imipenem to work more effectively by preventing the breakdown of the antibiotic in the kidneys. Imipenem and cilastatin is used in treatment of severe infections of the lower respiratory tract, skin, stomach, female reproductive organs, and other body systems.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Avoid using Imipenem/Cilastatin if • you are allergic to ingredients in Imipenem/Cilastatin or any other carbapenem • you are using probenecid • in pediatric patient with a brain or nervous system infection, or weighs less than 30 kg and has kidney problems.

Missed a Dose? :
In hospital setting you are not likely to miss a dose. If you are using imipenem at home and you miss a dose, take the injection as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the injection at your next scheduled time. Avoid extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

How it should be taken : Imipenem and cilastatin is usually given until your infection has cleared or free from symptom for at least 48 hours. Imipenem and cilastatin comes in powder form which has to be mixed with a liquid (diluent). Do not mix the injection or draw your dose into a syringe until you are ready to inject the medicine. After mixing imepenem, you may keep it in a refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Always store unmixed imipenem and cilastatin powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Adults IM 500 to 750 mg every 12 h. Max: 1,500 mg/day. Children less than 40 kg IM 60 mg/kg/day. Children at least 40 kg IM Adult dose.

Special Instruction :
Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing the baby. • if you are taking any prescribed medication and alternate medicine. • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances • if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic • if you have renal problems, seizures or central nervous system . • if you are on Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis

Side Effects :
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction like • fast or pounding heartbeats; • watery or bloody diarrhea; • confusion, tremors, hallucinations, seizure; • feeling light-headed, fainting; • fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice or sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Drug Interactions :
Before using imipenem and cilastatin, consult your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: • ganciclovir ; • probenecid ; • a penicillin, amoxicillin , ampicillin , carbenicillin dicloxacillin, oxacillin (a cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor ,cefuroxime and cefadroxil

Storage Conditions :
Imipenem/Cilastatin is should be handled and stored by a health care provider. Store Imipenem/Cilastatin as directed by your pharmacist
or doctor.