Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IMIPENEM WITH CILASTATIN - INJECTION

(imm-eh-PEN-um WITH sye-luh-STAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Primaxin

Uses

This medication is a carbapenem antibiotic related to penicillin, used to treat a variety of serious bacterial infections.

How To Use

This medication is given diluted in fluid and infused slowly into a vein over 20 to 30 minutes or into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following: headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever/chills/sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, dizziness. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Inform your doctor if it persists or worsens. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: seizures, brain injury, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/ intestinal problems (e.g., colitis), asthma, any allergies- (especially to penicillins or cephalosporins, or other carbapenem antibiotics such as meropenem). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: probenecid, ganciclovir, other antibiotics, live vaccines. If you are a diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape to test for sugar in your urine. Do not use Clinitest tablets because this medication may cause false positive results. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

Missed Dose

Use any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (below 30 degrees C).