Imipenem-cilastatin is a drug to treat bacterial infections. This drug is a combination of two drugs, namely the antibiotics imipenem and cilastatin which works for guard so that imipenem Hang in there in the body.
Imipenem works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria, so it can treat bacterial infections in various organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, blood, bones, joints, or female reproductive organs.
If not combined with cilastatin, imipenem will be metabolized and broken down by special enzymes, resulting in reduced levels and less effective treatment. Cilastatin will inhibit the action of these enzymes, so imipenem can work and the treatment remains effective.
Trademarkimipenem-cilastatin: Fiocilas, Imiclast, Imipex, Pelascap, Pelastin, Tienam, Timipen, Xerxes IV
What is Imipenem-Cilastatin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Carbapenem antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treats bacterial infections responsive to imipenem-cilastatin |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Imipenem-cilastatin for pregnant and lactating women | CategoryC: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Imipenem-cilastatin may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Imipenem-Cilastatin
There are several things you should pay attention to before using imipenem-cilastatin, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Imipenem-cilastatin should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to other carbapenem antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had a head injury, brain tumor, seizure, kidney disease, liver disease, or digestive tract disease, such as ulcerative colitis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor if you plan to vaccinate while on treatment with imipenem-cilastatin.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect, after taking imipenem-cilastatin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Imipenem-Cilastatin
The dose prescribed by the doctor depends on the condition and age of the patient. This drug is available as 250/250 mg or 500/500 mg, imipenem/cilastatin.
In general, the dose of imipenem-cilastatin used to treat bacterial infections, such as sepsis, bone and joint infections, urinary tract infections with complications, intra-abdominal infections, respiratory tract infections, reproductive system infections, endocarditis, or skin and tissue infections are as follows:
- Mature: 500/500 mg, every 6 hours or 1000/1000 mg, every 8 hours. The drug is given by infusion over 20-30 minutes. The maximum dose is 4,000/4,000 mg per day.
- Babies over 3 months old: 15/15 mg to 25/25 mg every 6 hours. The drug is given by infusion over 20-30 minutes. The maximum dose is 2,000/2,000 mg per day.
How to Use Imipenem-Cilastatin Correctly
Imipenem-cilastatin should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel according to the doctor's instructions. This medicine will be injected into a muscle or vein. The dose given will be adjusted according to the patient's medical condition and body response to treatment.
Follow all doctor's instructions during treatment with injectable imipenem-cilastatin for maximum effectiveness of treatment. Consult a doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve.
Imipenem-Cilastatin Interaction with Other Drugs
The following are drug interactions that can occur if imipenem-cilastatin is used with certain drugs:
- Decrease in blood levels and the therapeutic effect of valproic acid
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as BCG vaccine or cholera vaccine
- Increased levels of imipenem-cilastatin when used with probenecid
- Enhanced blood retailing effect of warfarin
- Increased risk of seizures when used with ganciclovir or valacyclovir
Side Effects and Dangers of Imipenem-Cilastatin
Side effects that can occur after using imipenem-cilastatin include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- The injected area is red, swollen, or painful
Tell your doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience serious side effects, such as:
- Dark urine or jaundice
- Body bruises easily
- Muscle twitches or spasms
- Hands or feet feel tingling
- Fever or sore throat
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Decreased hearing ability
- Hallucinations, confusion
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea, accompanied by abdominal cramps, or bloody or slimy stools
