Imipenem

• Imipenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is bacteriocidal
• The combo of imipenem + cilastin inhibit dipeptidase enzyme degradation of imipenem by renal dehydropeptidases, which lower urinary tract concentrations.
• Imipenem is beta-lactamase resistant.
• Imipenem is not effective against MRSA.
• Imipenem is effective against

  • Gram + cocci: S. aureus; Strep groups A, B, C; S. pneumonia
  • Gram + bacilli: L. monocytogenes
  • Gram - cocci: N. gonorrhea; N. menigitidis
  • Gram - rods: E. coli, H. influenzae, P. aeruginosa, Salmonella
  • Anaerobic organism: Clostridium, Bacteroides
  • Other: Actinomyces. Nocardia
• Imipenem is administered via IV and penetrates CSF, and is excreted in urine.
• Imipenem side effects include

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhoea
  • eosinophilia
  • neutropenia
  • seizures (high dose)