Antimicrobials
Imipenem

Imipenem

Restricted

Medium
N/A

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Pregnancy: 

  • Very limited data.
  • Due to the known safety of other beta lactams in pregnancy, likely compatible.

Breastfeeding: 

  • Very limited data.
  • Imipenem seems to transfer into breastmilk in very low amounts.
  • In the information available currently, it does not appear cilastatin transfers into breastmilk in detectable amounts.

Immediate and delayed-type allergy

GI disturbance

Cytopenias, positive Coombs

Liver enzyme abnormalities

CNS effects including confusional states and seizures

May decrease serum concentrations of valproic acid

Ganciclovir/valganciclovir - may increase risk of seizures

Cyclosporine - may enhance neurotoxic effects of imipenem

Requires ID or Antimicrobial Stewardship approval for ongoing use without an accepted indication

Antimicrobial class: Carbapenem

Average serum half life: 1.0