Imipemide
Other Anti-infective Preps · Carbapenem
Indications
Lower respiratory tract, intra-abdominal, genito- urinary, gynaecological, bone and joint, skin and soft tissue infections. Septicaemia. Prophylaxis of post-operative infections.
Dosage
Adults: IV: Usually 250 mg-1 gm by IV infusion 6-8 hourly, depending on type and severity of infections. Prophylaxis, 1 gm on induction of anaesthesia then 1 gm three hr later. IM: Adults: Usually 500-750 mg by deep IM inj 12 hourly depending on type and severity of infection; max 1.5 gm daily. Children: Under 3 mth, not recommended; over 3 mth, 15 mg/kg body weight every 6 hr. Max daily dose 2 gm. Gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis: Adults: 500 mg as a single dose. Children: Not recommended.
Administration
IV: Administer by IV intermittent infusion; final concentration should not exceed 5 mg/mL; in fluid-restricted patients, a final concentration of 7 mg/mL has been administered; dose < 500 mg may be infused over 15-30 min; dose > 500 mg should be infused over 40-60 min. IM: Administer by deep IM injection into a large muscle mass (such as the gluteal muscles or lateral part of the thigh) with a 21-gauge 2-inch needle. Aspiration is necessary to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. Compatibility: Stable in D5W, NS. Stability: Store dry powder at less than 25°C (77°F). Reconstituted solutions are stable for 4 hours at room temperature and for 24 hours when refrigerated. Do not freeze solutions.
Adverse Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. Colitis. Blood dyscrasias, elevated liver enzymes, urea and creatinine. CNS disturbances, convulsions, thrombophlebitis, eosinophilia, positive Coombs test.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Penicillin hypersensitivity, GI disease (particularly colitis), CNS disorders, renal dysfunction. Monitor liver function.
Interactions
Probenecid, ganciclovir. valganciclovir, valproate, oral anticoagulants, agents that lower seizure threshold.
Advice to Patient
This medication is administered by injection or infusion. Contact prescriber if there is redness/swelling/warmth/irritation at infusion or injection site or if there is dizziness, hallucinations, change in vision, anxiety, swelling of tongue/face/lips/throat, fever, chills, odd-smelling vaginal discharge or urine. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Imipenem: Kidney. Half-life elimination: IV: Both drugs: Prolonged with renal impairment. Neonates: Imipenem: 1.7-2.4 hrs. Cilastatin: 3.9-6.3 hrs. Infants and Children: Imipenem: 1.2 hrs. Adults: Approx. 60 mins. Excretion: Both drugs: Urine (approx. 70%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.