Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi

Imipenem, the active ingredient in Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi, is a carbapenem antibiotic presented as an injection solution for intravenous use. It treats severe bacterial infections such as complicated intra‑abdominal infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft‑tissue infections, lower respiratory tract infections, meningitis, 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 broad‑spectrum carbapenem used for serious bacterial infections across several organ systems.

- Complicated intra‑abdominal infections: provides rapid bacterial eradication in severe abdominal sepsis. - Complicated urinary tract infections: eliminates resistant uropathogens causing pyelonephritis. - Skin and soft‑tissue infections: treats deep tissue infections including necrotizing fasciitis. - Lower respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia): covers Gram‑negative and Gram‑positive pathogens in hospital‑acquired pneumonia. - Meningitis: penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid to treat bacterial meningitis. - Severe sepsis and septic shock: offers life‑saving coverage for polymicrobial infections.

Adverse reactions may occur with any antimicrobial therapy.

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Seizures: especially in patients with renal impairment or CNS disorders. - Anaphylaxis: severe hypersensitivity reaction. - Clostridioides difficile colitis: antibiotic‑associated diarrhea. - Thrombocytopenia: reduced platelet count. - Renal dysfunction: worsening kidney function in susceptible individuals.

Use Imipenem/Cilastatin with careful clinical assessment and monitoring.

- Renal impairment: adjust dose based on creatinine clearance. - History of seizures: avoid or monitor closely for neurotoxicity. - Hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reaction occurs. - Concomitant valproic acid: monitor for reduced antiepileptic levels. - Neonates and infants: use only when benefits outweigh risks. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Drug interactions can affect efficacy or safety of Imipenem/Cilastatin.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Valproic acid: carbapenems reduce serum valproate levels, risking seizure breakthrough. - Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing INR. - Probenecid: can increase imipenem plasma concentrations, raising toxicity risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Diuretics: monitor electrolytes and renal function. - Other nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides): watch for additive kidney injury. - Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: may affect absorption if oral formulations were used (not applicable to IV).