Medicines/Generics/Imipenem

Imipenem

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview

Imipenem is a ß lactam antibiotic derived from thienamycin. It has a wide spectrum with good activity against many gram negative, gram positive organism and anaerobes. Imipenem is given in combination with cilastatin. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is attained by taking the medicine at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Imipenem is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you stop the therapy it may result in ineffective treatment.

Indications

Imipenem is primarily indicated in conditions like Abdominal sepsis, Advanced prostate cancer, Biliary tract infections, Bone and joint infection, Brain abscesses, Cellulitis, Diabetic foot ulcer, Endocarditis, Gastric acid reduction during general anaesthesia, Gynecological infections, Lower respiratory tract infections, Obstetric infections, Peritonitis, Pneumonia, Respiratory tract infections, Septicemia, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Surgical anaesthesia, Surgical prophylaxis, UTI.

Contraindications

Imipenem is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Imipenem, which give rise to further complications include Thrombocytopenia, Seizures, Renal impairment, Leukopenia. Imipenem produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pseudomembranous colitis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Imipenem therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Imipenem include Seizures. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Imipenem are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Skin rashes, Urticaria, Pain, Allergic reactions, Glossitis, Hypersalivation, Eosinophilia, Anaphylaxis, Tooth and tongue discoloration, Phlebitis, Eosinophilia, Agitation, Anemia, Confusion.

Warnings

Imipenem should be used with caution in patients have allergy to penicillin, cephalosporins. It should be used with caution in patients with history of seizure, kidney, liver or gastrointestinal diseases, asthma or diabetes. It should be used with caution if secondary infection occurs. It should be given with caution to patients with renal impairment and the dose reduced appropriately. Particular care is necessary in patients with CNS disorders such as epilepsy.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

Adult Dosage

1 to 2 g (1.5 (1.5)) As recommended. IV-inf — Daily in 3-4 div.doses, in combination with Cilastatin. 500 to 750 mg (620 (625)) 12 hourly IM — In combination with Cilastatin.

Child Dosage

15 to 25 mg/kg (20 (20)) 6 hourly IV Infusion — Total dose should not exceed 2g.

Neonatal Dosage

( ) — Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

No data regarding the interactions of Imipenem was found.

Storage

Inj Store Below 40°C.