Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi

Imipenem/cilastatin, the active ingredient in Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi, is a carbapenem antibiotic presented as an injectable solution for intravenous use. It treats a range of serious bacterial infections in hospitalized adults and children when other antibiotics are unsuitable.

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

Imipenem/cilastatin is a broad‑spectrum carbapenem used for severe bacterial infections affecting various organ systems.

- Complicated intra‑abdominal infections: provides effective bacterial eradication in patients with severe abdominal sepsis. - Complicated urinary tract infections: eliminates resistant uropathogens in complicated cystitis and pyelonephritis. - Lower respiratory tract infections: treats hospital‑acquired pneumonia and ventilator‑associated lung infections. - Skin and soft‑tissue infections: clears deep tissue infections caused by susceptible organisms. - Febrile neutropenia: offers rapid coverage for neutropenic patients at risk of bacteremia. - Meningitis caused by susceptible organisms: penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid to treat bacterial meningitis.

Adverse reactions may occur with any antimicrobial therapy and should be monitored.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. - Diarrhea: may be watery or loose. - Headache: transient cranial discomfort. - Rash: erythematous skin eruption. - Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in transaminases. - Injection site pain: local discomfort at the infusion site.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Seizures: especially in patients with pre‑existing CNS disorders. - Anaphylaxis: severe, potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction. - Clostridioides difficile‑associated diarrhea: severe colitis risk. - Severe hypersensitivity reactions: including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. - Renal impairment: acute kidney injury in susceptible individuals. - Hematologic abnormalities: neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.

Careful assessment and monitoring are required before and during therapy.

- Renal function monitoring: assess creatinine clearance and adjust dose as needed. - Dose adjustment in renal impairment: reduce dosage or extend interval for patients with decreased kidney function. - Seizure risk: avoid in patients with a history of seizures or CNS disorders. - Hypersensitivity: do not use in individuals with known allergy to carbapenems or β‑lactams. - Superinfection watch: monitor for secondary infections such as fungal overgrowth. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Imipenem/cilastatin may interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Valproic acid: concomitant use can markedly reduce valproate levels, increasing seizure risk. - Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): combined use may exacerbate renal toxicity. - Other carbapenems: concurrent therapy can increase toxicity without added benefit.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Diuretics: may enhance renal clearance, requiring dose reassessment. - NSAIDs: can affect renal function, necessitating closer monitoring. - Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): may alter INR, requiring periodic coagulation checks. - Probenecid: may increase plasma concentrations, warranting observation for toxicity.