Cilastatin+imipenem
About Cilastatin+imipenem
Cilastatin+imipenem is used to treat severe bacterial infections of the lungs, heart, bladder, skin, kidneys, bones, joints, blood, stomach and female reproductive organs. Cilastatin+imipenem may also be used in the management of patients with low white blood cell count who have a fever, which is suspected to be due to bacterial infection. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Cilastatin+imipenem does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Cilastatin+imipenem is a combination of two drugs, namely: Cilastatin (dehydropeptidase inhibitor) and Imipenem (antibacterial). Cilastatin inhibits the dehydropeptidase enzyme, which causes the breakdown of Imipenem, thereby helps imipenem to stay active for a longer duration. Imipenem prevents the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is necessary for the survival of the bacteria. Together, Cilastatin+imipenem helps to treat bacterial infections.
Cilastatin+imipenem will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, Cilastatin+imipenem may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling, and redness at the site of injection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cilastatin+imipenem may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid alcohol consumption as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness. Cilastatin+imipenem should not be given to children below one year or those who weigh below 30kg with kidney problems. Cilastatin+imipenem is not recommended in paediatric patients with CNS infections due to the risk of seizures. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Cilastatin+imipenem
Medicinal Benefits
Cilastatin+imipenem is a combination of two drugs, namely: Cilastatin (dehydropeptidase inhibitor) and Imipenem (antibacterial). Cilastatin+imipenem is used to treat severe bacterial infections of the lungs, heart, bladder, skin, kidneys, bones, joints, blood, stomach, and female reproductive organs. Cilastatin+imipenem may also be used in the management of patients with low white blood cell count who have a fever, which is suspected to be due to bacterial infection. Cilastatin inhibits the dehydropeptidase enzyme, which causes the breakdown of Imipenem, thereby helps imipenem to stay active for a longer duration. Imipenem prevents the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is necessary for the survival of the bacteria. Together, Cilastatin+imipenem helps to treat bacterial infections. Imipenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cilastatin+imipenem
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Swelling
- Redness at the site of injection
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cilastatin+imipenem if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to antibiotics, colitis, gastrointestinal disease, urinary/kidney problems, CNS disorders, seizures/fits, or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness. Cilastatin+imipenem should not be given to children below one year or those who weigh below 30kg with kidney problems. Cilastatin+imipenem is not recommended in paediatric patients with CNS infections due to the risk of seizures. Cilastatin+imipenem may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so drive with caution.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cilastatin+imipenem may interact with anti-viral (Ganciclovir), uricosurics (Probenecid), anti-epileptic (Valproic acid, Divalproex sodium), blood thinner (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), CNS disorders, hemodialysis, kidney or liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe Cilastatin+imipenem only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCilastatin+imipenem may pass into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide if Cilastatin+imipenem can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionCilastatin+imipenem may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
cautionCilastatin+imipenem should not be given to children below one year or those who weigh below 30kg with kidney problems. Cilastatin+imipenem is not recommended in paediatric patients with CNS infections due to the risk of seizures.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid/limit the consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- Cilastatin+imipenem may cause abnormal Coombs, liver, blood, and kidney function tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are on treatment with Cilastatin+imipenem.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and cause sickness. Symptoms of bacterial infection include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cilastatin+imipenem is a combination of two drugs, namely: Cilastatin and Imipenem. Cilastatin inhibits the dehydropeptidase enzyme, which causes the breakdown of Imipenem, thereby helps imipenem to stay active for a longer duration. Imipenem prevents the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is necessary for the survival of the bacteria. Together, Cilastatin+imipenem helps to treat bacterial infections.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Cilastatin+imipenem. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Concomitant administration of Probenecid (used to treat gout and hyperuricemia) along with Cilastatin+imipenem is not recommended as it might result in an increase of plasma levels and half-life of Imipenem.
Ganciclovir (anti-viral) should not be co-administered along with Cilastatin+imipenem unless benefits outweigh the risks as generalised seizures have been reported when taken together.
Cilastatin+imipenem may cause changes in urine colour and amount of urine. Do not worry and consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Cilastatin+imipenem may rarely cause thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent the growth of fungus.
