Imipenem + Cilastatin

Brand/Trade Names: Primaxin, Tienam

Description: Imipenem + Cilastatin is a broad spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic containing equal quantities of imipenem and cilastatin. It is related to the penicillin/cephalosporin family of antibiotics but is classified as belonging to the carbapenem class. It has the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. It works by interfering with their ability to form cell walls, and therefore the bacteria break up and die. Imipenem, the active antibacterial agent, is rapidly degraded by the renal enzyme dehydropeptidase if administered alone (making it less effective). Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor, with no intrinsic antibacterial activity, and must be co-administered with imipenem to ensure its efficacy. Cilastatin blocks the effects of the renal enzyme. Cilastatin has no antibacterial effects and does not affect the antibacterial activity of the imipenim.

Uses: Imipenem + Cilastatin is given by injection or infusion and is generally used to treat severe infections. It may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who have had an allergic reaction to a penicillin in the past.

Cilastatin Structural Formula

 

Imipenem Structural Formula

 


Additional Information Data And Resources:
Primaxin Prescribing Information

July 4, 2007 | Filed Under COMMON DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS, • Antibiotics, Imipenem+Cilastatin - Primaxin, Tienam

 

Notes

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