Imipenem-cilastatin (i-mi-PEN-em and sye-la-STAT-in) combination is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Imipenem is an intravenous beta-lactam antibiotic developed in 1985. Imipenem belongs to the subgroup of carbapenems. It is derived from a compound called thienamycin, which is produced by the bacteria Streptomyces cattleya. Imipenem has a broad spectrum of activity against aerobic and anaerobic Gram positive as well as Gram negative bacteria. It is particularly important for its activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Enterococcus species. It is not active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, however. Imipenem and other drugs in the carbapenem class are commonly referred to as "magic bullets." Their use is typically restricted in order to avoid widespread bacterial resistance.

Imipenem is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body. Cilastatin is used with imipenem to increase its effectiveness by preventing its breakdown by the kidneys.

Imipenem-cilastatin is used in the treatment of infections of the abdomen, such as appendicitis; lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis; skin and skin structure infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, and infected skin ulcers and wounds; gynecological infections such as uterine infection following delivery of a baby; urinary tract infections; bone and joint infections; heart infections; blood infection; and others.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For imipenem and cilastatin, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to imipenem and cilastatin, penicillins or cephalosporins. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies have not been done in humans. However, imipenem and cilastatin combination has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether imipenem or cilastatin passes into the breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children 12 years of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been reported to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of imipenem and cilastatin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of imipenem and cilastatin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

If you experience a rare but serious side effects, stop taking imipenem-cilastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of imipenem-cilastatin is suspected.