Imipenem + Cilastatin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Imipenem + Cilastatin is a carbapenem antibiotic injection. It is a prescription medicine used for serious hospital infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections and blood infections. In Pakistan it is available as injections, tablets and infusions, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Imipenem + Cilastatin works

Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that stops bacteria from building their cell walls, causing them to burst and die. On its own it is broken down in the kidneys, so it is combined with cilastatin, which blocks the kidney enzyme responsible and keeps imipenem active for longer.

What is Imipenem + Cilastatin used for?

• Serious hospital infections
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Complicated abdominal infections
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Blood infections

Imipenem + Cilastatin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic given by drip into a vein in hospital for serious infections, particularly those caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics. It is used for severe pneumonia, abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, infections after childbirth, blood infections and infections in people with very low white blood cell counts. It is not used for minor infections.

Side effects of Imipenem + Cilastatin

Patients receiving Imipenem + Cilastatin may experience:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Rash or itching
• Pain or swelling at the drip site
• Fever

Tell the medical team immediately about swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a severe rash, fits or shaking, confusion, or severe or bloody diarrhoea.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell the team if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillins, cephalosporins or other antibiotics.
• Let them know if you have kidney disease, epilepsy or another brain condition, as it can occasionally cause fits.
• It sharply lowers the level of sodium valproate in the blood, which can lead to seizures, so tell staff if you take this medicine.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the doctors will weigh up the benefits and risks before using it.
• It is given only in hospital by trained staff, who will decide how long the course should last.

Frequently asked questions about Imipenem + Cilastatin

What is the price of Imipenem + Cilastatin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Imipenem + Cilastatin products currently in stock range from Rs 956 to Rs 2,025 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Cilapen 250mg Injection at Rs 956. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Imipenem + Cilastatin are available in Pakistan?

Imipenem + Cilastatin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Onem (Aspin Pharma), Cilapen (Bosch Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Cinam (CCL Pharmaceuticals PTV Ltd Al Qamar) and Tienam (Obs).

Do I need a prescription for Imipenem + Cilastatin?

Yes. Imipenem + Cilastatin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Imipenem + Cilastatin be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the doctors will weigh up the benefits and risks before using it.

Are all Imipenem + Cilastatin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Imipenem + Cilastatin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Imipenem + Cilastatin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 6 products containing Imipenem + Cilastatin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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