Introduction

Cilastatin Sodium (sye-la-STAT-in SOE-dee-um), Imipenem (im-i-PEN-em)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Primaxin IV, Primaxin IM

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to imipenem, cilastatin, or medicine that causes numbing such as lidocaine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ganciclovir (Cytovene®), probenecid (Benemid®), divalproex sodium (Depakote®), or valproic acid (Depakene®). Tell your doctor if you are also using certain medicines to treat an infection (such as amoxicillin, cefaclor, cefuroxime, cephalexin, penicillin, Amoxil®, Augmentin®, Cefzil®, Omnicef®, Trimox®, or Veetids®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction, especially to any other antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin (such as Ceclor®, Keflex®).
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive the injection.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Wheezing or trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given or the needle was placed.
• Sore mouth or tongue.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088