How do you take Imipenem; Cilastatin (Cilastatin Sodium)?

This drug is given by a doctor or nurse through injection into your vein (IV drip) or muscle. The usual adult dose is 250 mg to 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours depending on how serious the infection is. You cannot take this at home as tablets — it must be administered in a hospital or clinic. Available in Nigeria as Bacqure Injection 500 mg.

What are the side effects of Imipenem; Cilastatin (Cilastatin Sodium)?

Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool, pain or swelling at the injection site, skin rash or itching, headache

Who should not take Imipenem; Cilastatin (Cilastatin Sodium)?

People who are allergic to imipenem, cilastatin, or any carbapenem antibiotics. People allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics should inform their doctor as there may be cross-allergy. People with a history of seizures or brain disorders should use this drug with extra caution and only under close medical supervision.

Prescription

Carbapenem Antibiotic

Imipenem; Cilastatin

Q: What is Imipenem; Cilastatin (Cilastatin Sodium) used for?

Serious infections that other antibiotics cannot handle, severe typhoid-like infections, hospital-acquired infections, serious stomach and abdominal infections, lung infections (pneumonia), blood infections (sepsis), serious urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Imipenem/Cilastatin is a very strong antibiotic given through injection (drip or IV) that kills a wide range of bacteria causing serious infections. Imipenem fights the bacteria while Cilastatin helps the drug last longer in your body by protecting it from being broken down by your kidneys.

What is it used for?

Serious infections that other antibiotics cannot handlesevere typhoid-like infectionshospital-acquired infectionsserious stomach and abdominal infectionslung infections (pneumonia)blood infections (sepsis)serious urinary tract infectionsbone and joint infectionsskin infections

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Bacterial Infections Sepsis & Severe Infections

How it works

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking; cilastatin protects imipenem from degradation by renal dehydropeptidase-I, maintaining therapeutic concentrations.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Always complete the full course of this antibiotic even if you start feeling better — stopping early can cause the infection to come back stronger and harder to treat. This is a hospital-only drug so do not buy from roadside sellers or chemists claiming to have it in tablet form. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.

Common Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting
diarrhea or loose stool
pain or swelling at the injection site
skin rash or itching
headache

Serious Side Effects

Seizures (fits or convulsions) — stop the drug and get help immediately. Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face
difficulty breathing
or widespread rash — this is an emergency. Severe watery or bloody diarrhea that does not stop
which could mean a dangerous gut infection.

Drug Interactions

Do not use with valproic acid (a drug used for epilepsy/seizures) as it can make the seizure medication stop working. Ganciclovir (used for certain viral infections) combined with this drug increases the risk of seizures. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking including traditional or herbal remedies.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

This drug should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before use.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to imipenem
cilastatin
or any carbapenem antibiotics. People allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics should inform their doctor as there may be cross-allergy. People with a history of seizures or brain disorders should use this drug with extra caution and only under close medical supervision.

How to Store

Store unopened vials at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Once mixed for injection, it should be used quickly or refrigerated and used within a few hours. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.