Imipenem, Cilastatin
Primaxin is a brand-name antibiotic combining imipenem and cilastatin, used to treat serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics may not be effective. The cilastatin component protects imipenem from breakdown in the kidneys, allowing higher drug levels to reach the infection.
Broad-spectrum antibiotic for serious infections when other treatments are insufficient.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 227475
- Generic
- Primaxin
- Class
- brand-name
- 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.
Treats serious respiratory, urinary, intra-abdominal, gynecologic, skin, bone, and joint infections, as well as sepsis and endocarditis. Reserved for moderate to severe infections when first-line antibiotics are inadequate.
Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. Cilastatin inhibits renal dehydropeptidase to prevent imipenem metabolism.
Administered intravenously. Requires dosage adjustment in kidney impairment. Contraindicated with carbapenem hypersensitivity. May cause seizures at high doses or in patients with CNS disorders. Use only when clinically indicated to minimize resistance development.
Official drug label
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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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy