Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Imipenem requires a valid prescription.

AntibioticsPrescription RequiredINTRAVENOUS

Imipenem

Generic Name: IMIPENEM AND CILASTATIN SODIUM

Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (I.V.) (imipenem and cilastatin) for Injection is a sterile formulation of imipenem, a penem antibacterial, and cilastatin, a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor with sodium bicarbonate added as a buffer.

Data last updated: 1 May 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)

Common Brand Names in India:

Imipenem and Cilastatin

What is Imipenem Used For?

  • Gynecologic infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis
  • Bacterial septicemia caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis
  • The development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the
  • Infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be cause
  • The development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the

How Does It Work?

Cilastatin is a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor that limits the renal metabolism of imipenem. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Intravenous infusion of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection (I.V.) over 20 minutes results in peak plasma levels of imipenem antimicrobial activity that range from 21 to 58 mcg/mL for the 500 mg dose, and from 41 to 83 mcg/mL for the 1,000 mg dose.

Dosage & Administration

  • For adult patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance of greater than or equal to 90 mL/min), the recommended dosage regimens are: 500 mg every 6 hours OR 1,000 mg every 8 hours OR 1,000 mg every 6 hours .
  • A reduction in dose must be made for a patient with a creatinine clearance of less than 90 mL/min .
Always follow your doctor's prescription. Do not self-medicate or change doses without medical advice.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

NauseaVomitingDiarrheaHeadacheDizzinessRashAbdominal painWeakness

Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)

SeriousAgranulocytosisSeizureStevens-johnsonHepatic failure

Warnings & Precautions

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams.
  • The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures.

Who Should NOT Take This?

  • Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection (I.V.) is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection (I.V.) ( 4 )

Drug Interactions

Imipenem may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

CilastatinInjection

Storage Instructions

16.2 Storage and Handling Before Reconstitution: Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (I.V.) sterile powder should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Speak to a general physician on Zospital

Consult a general physician on Zospital before starting Imipenem. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.

Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.

FAQS

Imipenem – Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Imipenem, its uses, dosage and safety.

Imipenem is commonly prescribed in India for: Gynecologic infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Bacterial septicemia caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, The development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the, Infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be cause, The development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.

Imipenem is sold in India under brand names such as Imipenem and Cilastatin. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.

Imipenem is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.

Common side effects of Imipenem can include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Headache, Dizziness, Rash, Abdominal pain, Weakness. Less common but serious side effects can include: Serious, Agranulocytosis, Seizure, Stevens-johnson, Hepatic failure. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.

Cilastatin is a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor that limits the renal metabolism of imipenem. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Intravenous infusion of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection (I.V.) over 20 minutes results in peak plasma levels of imipenem antimicrobial activity that range from 21 to 58 mcg/mL for the 500 mg dose, and from 41 to 83 mcg/mL for the 1,000 mg dose.

Imipenem can interact with: Cilastatin, Injection. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Imipenem.

Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Imipenem for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.

Pregnancy safety of Imipenem depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Imipenem during pregnancy or while planning conception.

Prices in India typically range from ₹40 – ₹400 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.

If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Imipenem's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.

You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.

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