Imipenem/Cilastatin (By injection)
im-i-PEN-em, sye-la-STAT-in SOE-dee-um
Treats infections.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Imipenem and cilastatin combination is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Imipenem and cilastatin combination is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, imipenem and cilastatin combination is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Febrile neutropenia (treatment)
Melioidosis (treatment)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Missed dose: You should receive your medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Ask your caregiver if you have questions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how this drug works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Ganciclovir Seizure medicine, including divalproex sodium or valproic acid ProbenecidWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to imipenem or cilastatin. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other antibiotic, especially a penicillin or cephalosporin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, seizures or similar nervous system conditions, or allergies.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling red skin rash
Severe diarrhea, which may contain blood
Seizures, confusion, tremors
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
PremierPro RX Imipenem and Cilastatin, Primaxin IM, Primaxin IV
There may be other brand names for this medicine.