Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection is an antibiotic medicine, a combination of two drugs: Cilastatin (dehydropeptidase inhibitor) and Imipenem (antibacterial). The injection is a powerful tool that belongs to the cephalosporin family. It is used to treat several bacterial infections, such as the lungs, bladder, heart, skin, kidneys, bones, and female reproductive organs.
Healthcare providers prescribe Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection when bacterial infections become impossible to treat with regular medicines. It works by stopping the bacteria from creating a cell wall, which leads to weakening and killing them immediately. It is highly effective and often used in hospitals and clinics when quick, strong treatment is required.
The prescription-only medicine is usually given through an injection either into a muscle (intramuscular) or directly into a vein (intravenous). Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection should always be considered by a doctor, not on our own.
Benefits and Uses of Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection
Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection is known for its broad spectrum to treat several bacterial infections. Healthcare professionals often choose it for respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. It is also beneficial for urinary tract infections that cause discomfort and fever. In several critical cases, doctors use it to handle abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, and septicemia (blood infections), which can become life-threatening if not managed properly.
How Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection works
Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection is a combination of two medicines that play different but equally important roles. Imipenem (kills the bacteria) and Cilastatin (protects imipenem) work together side by side in treating infections. Imipenem is a powerful antibiotic that stops the bacteria from constructing a protective cell wall.
Without this wall, the bacteria cannot survive, and eventually, they die. Whereas Cilastatin doesn’t fight with the bacteria directly. Instead, it protects imipenem from breaking down too quickly by the enzyme dehydropeptidase I in the kidneys.
Without Cilastatin, imipenem would be destroyed before it could work effectively. Cilastatin ensures that imipenem remains active longer in the body to combat bacteria. Therefore, together, they make Imipenem, Cilastatin Injections a reliable option for treating serious infections, especially when other antibiotics fail.
Warnings and Precautions of Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection
Like any other strong antibiotic medicine, Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection comes with certain precautions.
- Like any other strong antibiotic medicine, Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection comes with certain precautions.
- People with a penicillin allergy or a history of it should inform their doctor. It should be used cautiously in patients with
- kidney diseases, as this medicine is cleared through the kidneys.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should only use this medicine under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- Kindly consult your doctor before taking this injection while consuming alcohol or other strong medications.
- It is not best advised to use this injection if you are going to drive, as it may affect the patient’s ability to drive.
Possible Side Effects of Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection
The most common side effects from taking this medicine are pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Some have also experienced diarrhea, nausea, or a skin rash, which usually go away on their own. There might be rare but serious side effects that can occur by taking this medicine, including difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or swelling of the face and throat, which might require urgent medical attention.
Directions for use
Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection should only be taken under the consultation of a healthcare professional. It is not advised to take it on your own.
Note
This content is for informational purposes only. Please use Imipenem, Cilastatin Injection only under a doctor’s guidance.
