Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem) Disease Interactions

There are 5 disease interactions with Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem):

Antibiotics (Includes Primaxin IV) ↔ Colitis

Severe Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Colitis/Enteritis (Noninfectious)

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening, with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. Antibiotic therapy can alter the normal flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, whose toxin is believed to be a primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. The most common culprits are clindamycin, lincomycin, the aminopenicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), and the cephalosporins. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis. There is some evidence that pseudomembranous colitis, if it occurs, may run a more severe course in these patients and that it may be associated with flares in their underlying disease activity. The offending antibiotic(s) should be discontinued if significant diarrhea occurs during therapy. Stool cultures for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. A large bowel endoscopy may be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea.

Carbapenems (Includes Primaxin IV) ↔ Cns Disorders

Severe Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: CNS Disorder

The intravenous use of carbapenems has been associated with central nervous system adverse effects such as seizures (up to 1.5%) and, less frequently, somnolence, encephalopathy, myoclonus, tremor, paresthesia, confusion, agitation, depression, and hallucinations. Therapy with carbapenems, regardless of route of administration, should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures or other neurologic disturbances. The normally recommended dosages should not be exceeded in such patients. In those with a known seizure disorder, anticonvulsant therapy should be continued during carbapenem therapy.

Carbapenems (Includes Primaxin IV) ↔ Renal Dysfunction

Severe Potential Hazard, High plausibility

Applies to: Renal Dysfunction

Carbapenems are primarily eliminated by the kidney. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for adverse effects from carbapenems, including seizures and other central nervous system disturbances, due to decreased drug clearance. Dosage adjustments should be considered, with modifications based on degree of renal impairment and severity of infection in accordance with the individual product package labeling. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during therapy.

Carbapenems (Includes Primaxin IV) ↔ Hemodialysis

Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility

Applies to: hemodialysis

In patients undergoing hemodialysis, carbapenems are recommended only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk of seizures. Carbapenems are removed by hemodialysis and should be administered after dialysis to avoid premature removal of the drug.

Imipenem (Includes Primaxin IV) ↔ Sodium

Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility

Applies to: Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Hypernatremia, Fluid Retention

The intramuscular and intravenous formulations of imipenem-cilastatin contain 32 mg (1.4 mEq) and 37.5 mg (1.6 mEq) of sodium, respectively, per each 500 mg of imipenem activity. The sodium content should be considered when these products are used in patients with conditions that may require sodium restriction, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and fluid retention.

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Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem) drug Interactions

There are 61 drug interactions with Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem)

Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem) alcohol/food Interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem)

See also...

• Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem) Side Effects
• Primaxin IV (cilastatin/imipenem) Consumer Information

• Drug Interactions Checker

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