Imipenem; Cilastatin
Imipenem, Cilastatin Sodium Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
IMIPENEM; CILASTATIN (i mi PEN em; sye la STAT in) is a carbapenem antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor or lesion
kidney disease
seizure disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to imipenem, cilastatin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is infused into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
birth control pills
ganciclovir
probenecid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better, if they get worse, or if you get new symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in blood pressure
change in hearing
confusion
dark urine
dizziness
fast, irregular heartbeat
fever
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
muscle stiffness or twitch
pain at site where injected
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
right upper belly pain
seizures
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
stomach upset or pain
too much saliva in the mouth
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
Imipenem, Cilastatin Sodium Suspension for injection
What is this medicine?
IMIPENEM; CILASTATIN (i mi PEN em; sye la STAT in) is a carbapenem antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor or lesion
kidney disease
seizure disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to imipenem, cilastatin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is infused into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
birth control pills
ganciclovir
probenecid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better, if they get worse, or if you get new symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in blood pressure
change in hearing
confusion
dark urine
dizziness
fast, irregular heartbeat
fever
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
muscle stiffness or twitch
pain at site where injected
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
right upper belly pain
seizures
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
stomach upset or pain
too much saliva in the mouth
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert