Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (Sterimax)
Serious Warnings and Precautions
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What is Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP used for?
Your physician has prescribed Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP to treat one of the following infections:
- Lung Infections.
- Infections of your urinary tract.
- Infections of your abdomen.
- Infections of the female reproductive system.
- Infection of your blood.
- Infection of your heart called endocarditis caused by a bacterial strain called Staphylococcus aureus.
- Infections of your bones and joints.
- Skin Infections.
Antibacterial drugs like Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in treatment, Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (resistance). This means that
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP may not work for you in the future.
How does Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP work?
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP is an antibiotic. It is used to kill a wide range of bacteria that cause infections.
What are the ingredients in Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP?
Medicinal ingredients: imipenem and cilastatin sodium.
Non-medicinal ingredients: sodium bicarbonate.
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP comes in the following dosage forms:
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP is supplied as a sterile powder mixture in vials containing Imipenem anhydrous and Cilastatin sodium with sodium bicarbonate as a buffer as follows:
250 mg Imipenem equivalent and 250 mg Cilastatin equivalent in vials.
500 mg Imipenem equivalent and 500 mg Cilastatin equivalent in vials.
Do not use Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP if you or your child:
- Are allergic to any of its ingredients (see What are the ingredients in Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you or your child take Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you or your child has now or has had:
- allergies to any drugs, including beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins, or cephalosporins or any other class of antibiotics.
- colitis or any other gastrointestinal (stomach or bowel) disease.
- any central nervous system disorders, such as localized tremors, brain lesions or seizures.
- kidney or urinary problems.
Other warnings you should know about:
Use in Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Use in Pregnancy
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP is not generally recommended in pregnant women. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Use in Breast-feeding
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP is secreted in human milk. As the breast-fed baby may be affected, women who are receiving Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP should not breast-feed. If you intend to breast-feed, talk to your doctor.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP:
- ganciclovir - used to treat some viral infections.
- valproic acid - used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine, or schizophrenia.
Your doctor will decide whether you should use Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP in combination with these medicines.
How to take Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP:
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP will be injected into a vein (intravenous injection). Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP must not be taken by mouth.
Usual dose:
Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP will be given to you by a physician or another health care professional who will determine the most appropriate method and dose. The number, type of injection and amount in each injection that you require will depend upon your condition and the severity of your infection.
It is very important that you continue to receive Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
Your doctor will let you know when you may stop receiving Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP.
Overdose:
If you think you have taken too much Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
The injection schedule will be set by your doctor, who will monitor your response and condition to determine what treatment is needed. However, if you are concerned that you may have missed a dose, contact your doctor or another healthcare professional immediately.
What are possible side effects from using Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you or your child may feel when taking Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP. If you or your child experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Common side effects of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP:
- nausea
- vomiting
- skin redness and tenderness at the injection site or along a blood vessel in the area
Uncommon side effects of Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP
- hives
- rash
- skin itchiness
- fever
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- low blood pressure
Tell your doctor or another health care professional promptly about these or any other unusual symptoms.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Children | |||
COMMON diarrhea | ✓ | ||
| Adults | |||
UNCOMMON seizures | ✓ | ||
Clostridium colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by a bacteria) Clostridium) | ✓ | ||
| Adults or children | |||
UNCOMMON Serious hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, occasionally fatal, with symptoms such as severe rash with or without high fever, with itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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Storage:
The dry powder should be stored at 15°C - 30°C. Protect from light.
Keep Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html ); or by calling 1-800-881-3550.
SteriMax Inc.
2770 Portland Drive
Oakville, ON
L6H 6R4
Canada