Imipenem + Cilastatin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Imipenem-Cilastatin

Other Names

  • Primaxin

Drug Class

  • Carbapenem antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C23H27N5O7S • C16H17NNaO5S

Molecular Weight

543.59 • 445.4 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Imipenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.

Indications

  • Treatment of severe infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 250 mg imipenem with 250 mg cilastatin to 500 mg imipenem with 500 mg cilastatin every 6 or 8 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustment based on weight and age. Consult healthcare provider.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Adjust dosage based on renal function.

Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hypersensitivity reactions, superinfection.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to imipenem, cilastatin, or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Risk cannot be ruled out.

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available; caution advised.

Drug Interactions

  • Potential interactions with valproic acid, probenecid, nephrotoxic drugs.

Overdose Symptoms

  • Seizures, confusion, renal toxicity.

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care, hemodialysis may be beneficial.

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature, protect from light.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after intramuscular or intravenous administration.
  • Distribution: Extensively distributed into tissues and body fluids.
  • Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized.
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with CNS disorders or seizure history.

Warnings

  • Risk of seizures, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Others

  • Dosage adjustments may be needed in renal impairment.