About cilastatin
Antibiotic combination; carbapenem
Used for
- Treats serious bacterial infections, including infections of the abdomen, lungs, urinary tract, skin, and blood.
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg imipenem plus 500 mg cilastatin intravenously every 6 hours; dose depends on infection and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 3 months or older: usually 15–25 mg/kg imipenem every 6 hours; specialist dosing varies.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Rash or infusion-site reactions
- Seizures, especially with kidney problems or excessive doses
- Changes in liver tests or blood counts
Important warnings
- For intravenous use by healthcare professionals.
- Dose adjustment is required with impaired kidney function.
- Seizures and other nervous-system effects are more likely with kidney impairment or central nervous system disorders.
- Not suitable for some people with severe allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; pregnancy data are limited, so benefits and risks should be assessed.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Monitor the infant for diarrhoea, thrush, or rash.
Interactions
- Valproic acid or divalproex: imipenem can lower levels and increase seizure risk.
- Ganciclovir: may increase seizure risk.
- Warfarin: antibiotic treatment may alter anticoagulation; monitoring may be needed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.