Imipenem and Cilastatin Injection

Imipenem and Cilastatin Injection is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a carbapenem-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

It is given by injection into a muscle or vein, usually every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Swelling,
• redness,
• pain, or soreness at the injection site may occur.

It may also rarely cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, unusual weakness.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using imipenem with cilastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of its ingredients; or to other carbapenems (such as meropenem); or to penicillins or cephalosporins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor), kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., colitis).

This medication may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: ganciclovir, valproic acid and related drugs (such as divalproex sodium, sodium valproate).

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine glucose), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.