Imipenem
Information about Imipenem
Imipenem uses
Imipenem is used in severe bacterial infections. It is used in infections of various body parts like skin and soft tissues, urinary tract, blood and lungs (pneumonia).
How imipenem works
Imipenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of imipenem
Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Available Medicine for Imipenem
Expert advice for Imipenem
- Imipenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
- It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes. In severe cases, it may be given slowly for 2 to 3 hours by intravenous infusion.
- Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.
Frequently asked questions for Imipenem
Imipenem
Q. Is Imipenem used alone?
No, Imipenem is not to be used alone. It should always be used in combination with Cilastatin, which is a dehydropeptidase I inhibitor. Cilastatin blocks the activity of an enzyme (dehydropeptidase I) that causes breakdown of Imipenem. This ensures that the medicine remains active and continues its work for longer for a longer duration.
Q. Even though Imipenem is used for skin infections, can it cause any skin-related problems?
Serious skin reactions are rare, but some have been reported with the use of Imipenem. Therefore, before starting the treatment inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine or antibiotic. Serious skin reactions are a type of allergic reactions. But, if not properly managed then they can endanger life. So, if you notice any rash along with fever or peeling of the skin, discontinue the medication and inform your doctor.
Q. Is Imipenem a strong antibiotic? Which infections does it treat?
Imipenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it can treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is used to treat infection affecting the lungs (pneumonia) and complicated infections of the urinary tract, abdomen, and skin and soft tissue infections. Along with that, it is also helpful in treating bacterial infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and infections that occur during or after delivery.