Beta-lactam antimicrobials, carbapenem antibiotic.

Bone and joint infections (treatment), Endocarditis, bacterial (treatment), Intra-abdominal infections (treatment), Pelvic infections, female (treatment), Pneumonia, bacterial (treatment), Septicemia, bacterial (treatment), Skin and soft tissue infections (treatment), Urinary tract infections, bacterial (treatment).

 FDA Pregnancy Category C

Pregnancy- studies in humans have not been done.

Breast-feeding :it is not known whether imipenem and cilastatin is distributed into breast milk.However, problems in humans have not been documented.

Patients allergic to other beta-lactam antibacterials (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins) may be allergic to imipenem also.

Pediatrics, The half-life of imipenem in neonates is longer (1.7 to 2.4 hours) than that in adults with normal renal function (approximately 1 hour). The half-life in older pediatric patients (2 to 12 years of age) is 1 to 1.2 hours.

The half-life of cilastatin in neonates is longer (3.8 to 8.4 hours) than that in adults with normal renal function (approximately 1 hour).

Appropriate studies have not been performed in children up to 12 years of age.

Geriatrics, however, elderly patients are more likely to have an age-related decrease in renal function, which may require a reduction of dosage in patients receiving imipenem and cilastatin.

Dental, Imipenem and cilastatin may cause glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), tongue papillar hypertrophy, and increased salivation.

Contraindications

Risk-benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist:

Allergy to imipenem, cilastatin, or other beta-lactams (penicillin, cephalosporins), Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, renal function impairment.

Drug interactions

Probenecid.

Antibacterial-

Intravenous infusion, based on anhydrous imipenem content:

Mild infections- 250 to 500 mg every six hours.

Moderate infections- 500 mg every six to eight hours to 1 gram every eight hours.

Severe, life-threatening infections- 500 mg every six hours to 1 gram every six to eight hours.

Note:   Lower doses are used in the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive organisms, anaerobes, and highly susceptible gram-negative organisms. Infections caused by other gram-negative organisms require higher doses.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections:

250 mg every six hours.

Complicated urinary tract infections:

500 mg every six hours.

Appropriate studies have not been performed in children up to 12 years of age.

Those indicating need for medical attention

Incidence more frequent

Allergic reactions, CNS toxicity, thrombophlebitis

Incidence less frequent

Infusion rate reaction

Incidence rare

Pseudomembranous colitis

Those indicating need for medical attention only if they continue or are bothersome

Incidence more frequent

Gastrointestinal disturbances

Those indicating the need for medical attention if they occur after medication is discontinued, Pseudomembranous colitis.

Store in dry place, below 30°C (86°F) Protect from direct sun light.

Boxes of 10 Vials IMIPENEM & CILASTATIN Vial 250/250 & 500/500mg.