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Imipenem - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Imipenem: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Imipenem?

Imipenem is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of carbapenems. This medicine is used to treat most bacterial infections. Various infections of the heart, lungs, bladder, kidneys, blood, skin, bones, joints, stomach, or female reproductive organs are managed with Imipenem.

What are the uses of Imipenem?

Imipenem is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It works by killing the growth of bacteria in your body. This medicine belongs to the carbapenem group of medicines. It is usually given in combination with cilastatin that belongs to the class called dehydropeptidase inhibitors. Cilastatin helps imipenem stay active for a longer period in your body.

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What are the side effects of Imipenem?

  1. The common side effects of imipenem are –
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Bruising or hardening around the site of injection
  • Dizziness, drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching
  • Rash

 

  1. Serious side effects of imipenem include –
  • Severe stomach ache
  • Watery or bloody diarrhea
  • Seizure
  • Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of skin)
  • Upper abdominal pain with loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Light-headedness, feeling as if you may pass out

If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your physician immediately.

For information on Imipenem, get in touch with our experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Imipenem

1. Why is imipenem given with cilastatin?

The combination of imipenem and cilastatin helps increase the activity of imipenem in the body. This combination also increases the recovery of urinary complaints and reduces the nephrotoxic potential associated with imipenem when administered alone.

2. Can we use piperacillin and imipenem injection together?

No, since adverse reactions have been reported when piperacillin and imipenem have been used together. There are many gastrointestinal disturbances and nausea when using both medicines together.

3. Is imipenem related to penicillin?

The only relation between imipenem and penicillin is that imipenem should be administered to only penicillin-allergic patients. The precautions for penicillin administration are to be followed while giving this medicine.

4. What bacteria does imipenem cover?

Imipenem protects your body against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Both gram negative and gram positive bacteria are tackled by this medicine. Gram negative bacteria include Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram positive bacteria include streptococci.

5. Is imipenem the same as meropenem?

Imipenem is a more active antibiotic as compared to meropenem. The gram-positive cocci are managed better with imipenem while meropenem acts against the gram-negative bacilli.

6. Does imipenem cause seizures?

Yes, imipenem has been known to cause CNS toxicity including seizures in about 1.5-10% of the cases. Seizures are mainly in association to unsubstituted penicillin and fourth-generation cephalosporin, along with carbapenems, especially imipenem.

7. Is meropenem a strong antibiotic?

Meropenem is considered to be one of the stronger sets of antibiotics. This is because it works against most bacteria and treats all severe complications.

8. Is meropenem good for UTI?

Meropenem is usually used to treat urinary tract infections. These include kidney infections and others that are caused by bacteria.

9. Can pregnant women take Imipenem?

Ideally, imipenem cannot be prescribed to pregnant mothers. However, this drug can be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks of this drug to the fetus.

10. Can I consume alcohol with Imipenem?

Mixing alcohol with Imipenem is not a good idea. Both these substances have an individual effect on your body. Drinking alcohol during your medicines can cause a series of complications.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.