Description
Tienam is the brand name for the medication imipenem/cilastatin. It is an intravenous antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, including:
- Intra-abdominal infections
- Lower respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Gynecological infections
- Septicemia (bloodstream infections)
- Bone and joint infections
Imipenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the death of susceptible bacteria. Cilastatin is a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of imipenem in the kidneys, thereby prolonging its effectiveness.
The “I.V. INJ 500mg” designation refers to the specific formulation and dosage strength of Tienam. “I.V.” indicates that the medication is intended for intravenous administration. Each vial contains 500 milligrams of imipenem, typically accompanied by an equal amount of cilastatin to enhance its effectiveness.
Tienam is usually administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on factors such as the type and severity of the infection, the patient’s age, weight, and kidney function, as well as the susceptibility of the causative bacteria.
As with any antibiotic, Tienam can cause side effects, though they are generally uncommon. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or injection site reactions. Serious side effects such as allergic reactions, seizures, or Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection are rare but possible.
It’s important for healthcare providers to monitor patients receiving Tienam closely for any adverse reactions and to use it judiciously to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. Tienam should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not viral infections such as the common cold or flu.
