Carbapenem Antibiotic
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
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.
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.
Explore this drug
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.
Since this drug is given by a healthcare worker on a schedule, missed doses are unlikely. However, if a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible and the remaining doses adjusted to keep the right spacing. Do not double the dose.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
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.
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.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Imipenem; with your other drugs?
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.
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.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Imipenem; Cilastatin yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.