Imipenem and cilastatin

Imipenem and cilastatin is an antibiotic that is used in adults and children to treat bacterial infections of the heart, lungs, bladder, kidneys, skin, blood, bones, joints, stomach, or female reproductive organs.

Imipenem and cilastatin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use imipenem and cilastatin if you are allergic to imipenem or cilastatin.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an allergy to similar antibiotics such as meropenem, cephalexin, cefdinir, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, and others;
• a stroke, epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• any other type of allergy; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Imipenem and cilastatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it happens months after your last dose);
• pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects of imipenem and cilastatin may include:

• pain, bruising, hardening, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;
• fever, feeling light-headed, seizures;
• fast heart rate, little or no urination, urine discoloration;
• thrush (a fungal infection);
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• itching, rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Imipenem and cilastatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Depending on the severity of the infection, imipenem and cilastatin is usually given for as long as needed after lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

Your kidney function may need to be checked often.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Imipenem and cilastatin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

When you begin or stop taking imipenem and cilastatin, your doctor might need to change the doses of the other medicines you regularly use.

Inform your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• ganciclovir;
• probenecid; or
• divalproex sodium, valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may impact imipenem and cilastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.