Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi (Cilastatin Sodium, Imipenem Monohydrate)

Imipenem, the active ingredient in Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi, is a carbapenem antibiotic presented as an injectable solution for intravenous use. It treats severe bacterial infections such as complicated intra‑abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, nosocomial pneumonia, severe skin and soft‑tissue infections, and sepsis in hospitalized patients.

GNH USA supplies Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Imipenem/Cilastatin is a carbapenem antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections affecting various organ systems. - Complicated intra‑abdominal infections: provides broad‑spectrum coverage to eradicate Gram‑negative, Gram‑positive and anaerobic pathogens. - Complicated urinary tract infections: eliminates resistant uropathogens causing pyelonephritis and cystitis. - Nosocomial pneumonia: treats hospital‑acquired and ventilator‑associated pneumonia caused by multidrug‑resistant organisms. - Severe skin and soft‑tissue infections: resolves infections such as cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. - Sepsis and septic shock: offers rapid bacterial clearance in systemic infections.

Adverse reactions to Imipenem/Cilastatin may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild gastrointestinal discomfort. - Diarrhea: loose, sometimes watery stools. - Rash: mild skin erythema or pruritus. - Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in ALT/AST. - Injection site pain: discomfort at the IV site.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Seizures: central nervous system excitation, especially in renal impairment. - Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with hives, airway swelling. - Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare mucocutaneous blistering. - Clostridioides difficile colitis: severe diarrhea due to gut flora disruption. - Renal dysfunction: worsening kidney function in susceptible patients.

Before initiating Imipenem/Cilastatin therapy, clinicians should consider several safety precautions. - Renal function assessment: adjust dose in patients with impaired kidney function. - History of seizures: avoid or monitor in individuals with prior seizure disorders. - Allergy evaluation: confirm no known hypersensitivity to β‑lactam antibiotics. - Concomitant valproic acid: monitor for reduced antiepileptic levels. - Pregnancy and lactation: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk. - Store at 2‑8 °C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Imipenem/Cilastatin can interact with other medicines, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Valproic acid: reduces serum valproate concentrations, risking seizure breakthrough. - Co‑administration with other β‑lactam antibiotics: may increase risk of additive toxicity. - Renal dehydropeptidase inhibitors other than cilastatin: may cause excessive imipenem levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Diuretics: may enhance nephrotoxic potential, monitor renal function. - Probenecid: can decrease renal clearance of imipenem, adjust dose if needed. - Anticoagulants (warfarin): monitor INR as infection may alter coagulation status.