Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam

Generic name: imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam [ IM-i-PEN-em, SYE-la-STAT-in, REL-e-BAK-tam ]
Brand name: Recarbrio
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (1.25 g)
Drug class: Carbapenems / beta-lactamase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam?

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam is a combination medicine that is used to treat complicated infections of the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys) or infections within the stomach area (abdomen).

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam is also used to treat pneumonia (a lung infection) caused by being in a hospital or using a ventilator.

imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam is for use in adults who have few or no other treatment options.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• tremors;

• a seizure; or

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose).

Common side effects of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam may include:

• increased blood pressure;

• nausea, diarrhea, vomiting;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• fever;

• headache; or

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam if you are allergic to imipenem, cilastatin, or relebactam.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a seizure;

• a stroke; or

• an allergic reaction to penicillin or other antibiotic medicines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam given?

This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You should receive this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Nosocomial Pneumonia:

1.25 g IV every 6 hours for 4 to 14 days

Uses: For the treatment of patients with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia due to susceptible Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella aerogenes, K oxytoca, K pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens

Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis:

1.25 g IV every 6 hours for 4 to 14 days

Comments:
-Approval of this indication based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for this drug.

Use: In patients with limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis) due to susceptible E cloacae, E coli, K aerogenes, K pneumoniae, and P aeruginosa

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:

1.25 g IV every 6 hours for 4 to 14 days

Comments:
-Approval of this indication based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for this drug.

Use: In patients with limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis) due to susceptible E cloacae, E coli, K aerogenes, K pneumoniae, and P aeruginosa

Usual Adult Dose for Intraabdominal Infection:

1.25 g IV every 6 hours for 4 to 14 days

Comments:
-Approval of this indication based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for this drug.

Use: In patients with limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections due to susceptible Bacteroides caccae, B fragilis, B ovatus, B stercoris, B thetaiotaomicron, B uniformis, B vulgatus, Citrobacter freundii, E cloacae, E coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, K aerogenes, K oxytoca, K pneumoniae, Parabacteroides distasonis, and P aeruginosa

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you receive imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Call your doctor for instructions if your infusions are given at home and you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What other drugs will affect imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• divalproex sodium;

• ganciclovir; or

• valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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