IMIPENEM + CILASTATIN

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).

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria.

 

How to use imipenem-cilastatin intramuscular

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein, usually every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

 

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

 

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

 

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

 

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

 

  • upset stomach
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • Swelling, redness, pain, or soreness at the injection site

 

 

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

 

  • dark urine
  • easy bruising/bleeding
  • hearing changes (e.g., decreased hearing, ringing in the ears)
  • mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations)
  • persistent sore throat/fever
  • swollen tongue
  • tingling hands/feet
  • yellowing eyes/skin
  • muscle twitching/spasms

 

 

Get medical help right away if seizures or unusual weakness occur.

 

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria.

 

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection.

 

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

 

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

 

  • Allergic reaction from this medication
  • Patients with medical history of:
    • brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor)
    • kidney disease
    • liver disease
    • stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., colitis)
  • elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects with the kidney while using this drug
  • This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
  • consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions

 

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

 

  • live bacterial vaccines
  • ganciclovir
  • other antibiotics
  • divalproate/valproic acid

 

 

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine glucose), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

 

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures.

 

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

 

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

 

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, kidney/liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

 

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

 

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

 

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands


Available Brands

Hospira Imipenem/Cilastatin [ Hospira ] Iminam [ China National Medicines Guorui ]
Imivex [ Zhuhai United ] Tienam [ Merck Sharp & Dohme ]
Vexpinem 500 [ VE Pharma ]

 

Also marketed as

Anipen [ JW Pharma ] Imipen [ Zhuhai United ]
Penam [ Jeil Pharma ] Plastin [ Taiwan Biotech ]

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