Skip to Main Content

Imipenem/Cilastatin Injection (IMIPENEM/CILASTATIN – INJECTION)

Imipenem/Cilastatin Injection (IMIPENEM/CILASTATIN - INJECTION)

For treating bacterial infection.

Brand Name(s): Primaxin

Generic Name: Imipenem/Cilastatin

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep at room temperature until mixing. Refrigerate any extra mixed medicine until ready to use it.

Injecting cold drug may be uncomfortable.

Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Please tell your doctor if you have moderate to severe diarrhea while on this medicine. Do not treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • diarrhea
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe allergic reaction
  • bleeding or bruising
  • confusion
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • fever
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • mood changes
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • seizures
  • sore throat
  • blood in stool
  • yeast infection of mouth
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • dark urine
  • vaginal itching or yeast infection
  • yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.