Imipenem/Cilastatin (Injection)

Cilastatin (sye-la-STAT-in), Imipenem (i-mi-PEN-em)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):

Primaxin IV, Primaxin IM
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to imipenem, cilastatin, or medicine that causes numbing such as lidocaine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of your thigh or buttocks.
• An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
• Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine at home.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule.
• If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the liquid medicine in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take it out of the refrigerator an hour before the time for your next dose and let it warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.
• Store the dry powder and bottles at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking probenecid (Benemid®) or ganciclovir (Cytovene®) before you are treated with imipenem/cilastatin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction, especially to any other antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin (Keflex®, Ceclor®).
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or a seizure disorder.
• If this medicine gives you diarrhea, talk to your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your infection does not get better or if it gets worse while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Swelling in the face, throat, or lips
• Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed
• Urinating less than one cup in a day
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Pain where your IM shot was given
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.