Imipenem
Also known as: Imipemide
Imipenem is a ß lactam antibiotic derived from thienamycin. It has a wide spectrum with good activity against many gram negative, gram positive organism and anaerobes. Imipenem is given in combination with cilastatin. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is attained by taking the medicine at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Imipenem is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you stop the therapy it may result in ineffective treatment.
Primary Characteristics
Imipenem is also known as Imipemide.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Beta Lactam.
It belongs to Peptidoglycan synthesis inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotics pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 317.4 · pKa: 3.2, 9.9 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 91 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 200 · Non-proprietary name: Imipenem · pH: 6.5.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Imipenem has an oral bioavailability is 2.5% (±2.5%).
Distribution: Imipenem has a volume of distribution is 12 litre. plasma protein binding is 25 %.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Renal, plasma half-life is 1hr, renal excretion is ~ 70 %.
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Indications
Imipenem is primarily indicated in conditions like Abdominal sepsis, Advanced prostate cancer, Biliary tract infections, Bone and joint infection, Brain abscesses, Cellulitis, Diabetic foot ulcer, Endocarditis, Gastric acid reduction during general anaesthesia, Gynecological infections, Lower respiratory tract infections, Obstetric infections, Peritonitis, Pneumonia, Respiratory tract infections, Septicaemia, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Surgical anaesthesia, Surgical prophylaxis, UTI.
Contraindications
Imipenem is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Dosage
Imipenem's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 4 mg | 4 mg | — | Life threating infection. | |
| 250 – 500 mg | — | Every 12h | IM | In combination with Cilastatin. Given over 20 to 30 minutes. |
| 1.5 g | 1.5 g | — | IV-inf | Daily in 3-4 div.doses, in combination with Cilastatin. |
| 375.5 g | 375.5 g | — | IV-inf | Given over 40 to 60 min. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 15 – 25 mg/kg | — | Every 6h | IV Infusion | Total dose should not exceed 2g. |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 15 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg | Every 8h | IV Infusion | Not recommended under 3 month |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Imipenem in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Thrombocytopenia , Seizures , Renal impairment , Leukopenia.
Imipenem produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pseudomembranous colitis . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Imipenem are Seizures.
Imipenem is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Allergic reactions, Anaphylaxis, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Eosinophilia, Fever, Glossitis, Hypersalivation , Pain , Skin rashes, Tooth and tongue discoloration, Urticaria, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Imipenem may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve reaction for glucose in the urine using Benedicts soln, Fehling soln & Clinitest tablets., +ve Coomb`s tests.
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.2.1.4 — Other inhibitors of cell wall synthesis