Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Primaxin IM
- Primaxin IV
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Pharmacologic Class: Beta-Lactam
Chemical Class: Carbapenem
Uses for imipenem and cilastatin
Imipenem and cilastatin combination is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Imipenem and cilastatin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Imipenem and cilastatin combination is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics.
Imipenem and cilastatin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using imipenem and cilastatin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For imipenem and cilastatin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to imipenem and cilastatin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Imipenem and cilastatin has been tested in a limited number of children 12 years of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been reported to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of imipenem and cilastatin in the elderly with use in other age groups, imipenem and cilastatin is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeedi...
