Imipenem
Description
Imipenem is a beta-lactam antibiotic that is used in combination with cilastatin to treat infections such as lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, intraabdominal infections, bacterial septicemia, etc. caused by various types of bacteria.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Imipenem
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Injection site pain
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Seizures
Uses of Imipenem
What is it prescribed for?
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Intra-abdominal Infection
- Bacterial Septicemia
- Bone and Joint infections
- Endocarditis
- Skin and Skin Structure Infection
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to imipenem, other carbapenem derivatives, or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of seizures. This risk is especially high in patients with a history of seizures or other central nervous system disorders. Cloe monitoring of these patients for any change in mood or behavior is recommended. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Drug-Resistance
Usage of this medicine without sufficient proof or suspicion of a bacterial infection should be avoided. Irrational dosing might fail in providing the benefits and even cause toxicity. It may also increase the risk of development of bacteria that are drug-resistant.
Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea
Antibiotic therapy will cause an imbalance in the normal microbial flora of the large intestine, which may promote the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile and you may experience severe diarrhea as a result. Report any such incidence to the doctor on priority. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinic or hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinic setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Valganciclovir
Sodium Valproate
Cyclosporine
Disease interactions
Central nervous system disorders
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of central nervous system disorders due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Report any symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, trembling, depression, hallucinations, confusion, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of the patient for any changes in behavior or mood is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine should be administered only by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known history of allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions before receiving this medicine. Report any undesired side effects to the doctor immediately.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis; this eventually leads to the death of bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Carbapenems
Schedule
Schedule H
Imipenem [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 11 April 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 11 April 2018]. Available from:
Imipenem and Cilastatin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 11 April 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 30 Apr 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.