Imipenem
Please note: This is for information only.
Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations.
- A ß-lactam antibiotic: carbapenem, similar to meropenem.
- Bactericidal
- Usual adult dose: 500mg tds IV. May be increased to 1g tds for severe infections
- Very broad spectrum predisposes to candida and other multi-resistant organisms.
- If renal impairment, consider using meropenem. Dosage reduction necessary.
- No oral preparation.
- Preparation contains cilastatin: and inhibitor of the renal enzyme that metabolises and inactivates imipenem. Has no intrinsic antibacterial activity.
- May cause seizures – contraindicated if history of epilepsy: use meropenem.
Main indications:
- Microbiology advice – restricted agent.
- Haematology guidelines.
Active against most strains of:
- Staphylococcus aureus (not MRSA)
- Haemolytic streptococcus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Neisseira meningitidis
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella spp
- Other Coliforms
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa*
- Anaerobes
Not active against most strains of:
- MRSA
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Enterococcus faecium
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
- Candida and other fungal pathogens
- *some strains of Ps aeruginosa may become resistant during treatment. Meropenem has better pseudomonal activity.