Uses
Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection are used to treat adults with certain serious urinary tract infections including kidney infections, and certain serious abdominal (stomach) infections when there are few or no other treatment options. It is also used to treat certain types of pneumonia that developed in adults who are on ventilators or who were already in a hospital. Imipenem is in a class of medications called carbapenem antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Cilastatin is in a class of medications called dehydropeptidase inhibitors. It works by helping imipenem stay active in your body for a longer period of time. Relebactam is in a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors. It works by preventing bacteria from destroying imipenem.
Antibiotics such as imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking or using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Side Effects Of Imipenem, Cilastatin, and Relebactam Injection
Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- headache
- swelling, pain, or redness near the spot where the medication was injected
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- seizures
- confusion
- muscle jerks, shakes, or spasms that you can’t control
- rash; hives; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or throat; difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to imipenem, cilastatin, relebactam, any other medications especially carbapenems such as ertapenem (Invanz) or meropenem (Merrem), penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, in Augmentin), ampicillin, or penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK), cephalosporins such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, or cephalexin (Keflex), or any of the ingredients in imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactiam injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: divalproex sodium (Depakote), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Valcyte), or valproic acid (Depakene). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, a stroke, brain lesions, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Imipenem, Cilastatin, and Relebactam Injection
Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection come as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 30 minutes. It is usually given every 6 hours for 4 to 14 days, or as long your doctor recommends treatment.
You may receive imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection in a hospital, or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be using imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you have any problems injecting imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor.
Use imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
