Imipenem/cilastatin
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Imipenem | Carbapenem antibiotic |
| Cilastatin | Dehydropeptidase inhibitor |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Primaxin, Tienam, Cilasafe, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a605011 |
| Routes of administration | IV, IM |
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Imipenem/cilastatin, sold under the brand name Primaxin among others, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is made from a combination of imipenem and cilastatin. Specifically it is used for pneumonia, sepsis, endocarditis, joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, and urinary tract infections. It is given by injection into a vein or muscle.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and pain at the site of injection. Other side effects may include Clostridioides difficile diarrhea and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the baby. Imipenem is in the carbapenem family of medications and works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall. Cilastatin blocks the activity of dehydropeptidase I which prevents the breakdown of imipenem.
Imipenem/cilastatin was first sold in 1987. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.