Primaxin IV (Injection)
Questions
| Reviews 
Can primaxin IV be given IM and visa versa?
Please explain the difference between primaxin IV & IM and whether they're interchangeable, and if not, why? thank you
by nancy eleazer in Florence, S.C., 12/20/2006
Primaxin IV (Injection) Drug and Prescription Information
Primaxin IV (Injection)
Primaxin IV (Injection) Medication Classification
IMIPENEM/CILASTATIN (Injection)
Primaxin IV (Injection) Brandname
Primaxin IV, Primaxin IM
Primaxin IV (Injection) is used for the Treatment
Cilastatin (sye-la-STAT-in), Imipenem (i-mi-PEN-em) Treats infections caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.
When To Not Use Primaxin IV (Injection)
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to imipenem, cilastatin, or medicine that causes numbing such as lidocaine.
How Should You Use Primaxin IV (Injection)
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
- An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of your thigh or buttocks.
- An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
- A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
- Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine at home.
- If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If a dose is missed:
- This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule.
- If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Proper Primaxin IV (Injection) Storage
Store Primaxin IV (Injection) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Primaxin IV (Injection) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Primaxin IV (Injection)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking probenecid (Benemid®) or ganciclovir (Cytovene®) before you are treated with imipenem/cilastatin.
Primaxin IV (Injection) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction, especially to any other antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin (Keflex®, Ceclor®).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or a seizure disorder.
- If this medicine gives you diarrhea, talk to your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
- If your infection does not get better or if it gets worse while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor.
Primaxin IV (Injection) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling in the face, throat, or lips
- Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed
- Urinating less than one cup in a day
- Wheezing or trouble breathing If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Pain where your IM shot was given
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Vaginal itching or discharge
