IMIPENEM WITH CILASTATIN - INJECTION (Primaxin) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: IMIPENEM WITH CILASTATIN - INJECTION (imm-eh-PEN-um WITH sye-luh-STAT-in)

BRAND NAME(S): Primaxin

USES: This medication is a carbapenem antibiotic related to penicillin, used to treat a variety of serious bacterial infections.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given diluted in fluid and infused slowly into a vein over 20 to 30 minutes or into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following: headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever/chills/sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, dizziness. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Inform your doctor if it persists or worsens. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: seizures, brain injury, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/ intestinal problems (e.g., colitis), asthma, any allergies- (especially to penicillins or cephalosporins, or other carbapenem antibiotics such as meropenem). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.