imipenem and cilastatin

What is the most important information I should know about imipenem and cilastatin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is imipenem and cilastatin?

Imipenem and cilastatin is a combination medicine used to treat severe infections of the heart, lungs, bladder, kidneys, skin, blood, bones, joints, stomach, or female reproductive organs.

Imipenem and cilastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using imipenem and cilastatin?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any allergies;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• meningitis;
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
• an allergy to any type of antibiotic.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use imipenem and cilastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Imipenem and cilastatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Imipenem and cilastatin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take 20 to 60 minutes to complete. If you feel nauseated while injecting this medicine, you may need to give it more slowly.

Imipenem and cilastatin is usually given as long as needed until your infection has cleared or you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Imipenem and cilastatin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using imipenem and cilastatin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of imipenem and cilastatin?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a seizure (convulsions);
• fever; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, swelling, redness, bruising, or hardening where the medicine was injected;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• itching, rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect imipenem and cilastatin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• divalproex sodium;
• ganciclovir;
• probenecid; or
• valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect imipenem and cilastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about imipenem and cilastatin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision date: 12/27/2018.