Imipenem and Cilastatin are combined in this medicine.
This medicine is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lungs, heart, skin, blood, stomach, bones, joints, bladder, and female genitals.
Imipenem + Cilastatin injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your infection and your response to the medication.
You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Imipenem + Cilastatin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Imipenem + Cilastatin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of fits or seizures
- brain disease
- history of colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon [large intestine])
- had episodes of diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. Coombs' test, urine test for sugar levels), inform your doctor that you are using Imipenem + Cilastatin.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Culture and susceptibility tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Imipenem + Cilastatin may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and irritation, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- severe diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- ganciclovir (medicine to treat viral infection)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- valproic acid (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Imipenem + Cilastatin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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