COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Primaxin
GENERIC NAME(S): IMIPENEM/CILASTATIN SODIUM
Description: Imipenem is a potent inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis and is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Cilastatin is an inhibitor of dehydropeptidase I, an enzyme found in the brush border of the renal tubules. It is given as the sodium salt with imipenem to prevent its renal metabolism and protect against nephrotoxic effects.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: IM admin: 60-75% (imipenem); 95-100% (cilastatin).
Distribution: Rapidly and widely distributed to most tissues and fluids. Protein binding: 20% (imipenem) and 40% (cilastatin).
Metabolism: Imipenem: Metabolised renally by dehydropeptidase I; cilastatin: Partly metabolised renally.
Excretion: Via urine (about 70% as unchanged drug). Half-life: 2-3 hr (imipenem after IM admin).