Cilastatin Sodium
Cilastatin Sodium is a renal dehydropeptidase I inhibitor that is primarily used in combination with the antibiotic imipenem. It works by protecting imipenem from degradation by kidney enzymes, thereby increasing its effectiveness and reducing the risk of kidney toxicity. This combination medication is used to treat various serious bacterial infections.
Cilastatin is a protective agent combined with imipenem to treat serious bacterial infections while preventing antibiotic degradation and kidney damage.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 82128
- Generic
- Cilastatin Sodium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used in combination with imipenem to treat complicated urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia, and other serious bacterial infections where the combination provides enhanced efficacy compared to imipenem alone.
Inhibits renal dehydropeptidase I, an enzyme in the kidneys that normally breaks down imipenem. By preventing this degradation, cilastatin increases imipenem concentrations in the urinary tract and protects the kidneys from potential damage.
Administered intravenously as part of a fixed-dose combination with imipenem. May cause side effects common to antibiotics such as nausea, diarrhea, rash, and allergic reactions. Should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment as dosing adjustments may be required.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy