Appropriate imipenem dose depends on the type of infection a patient has and whether there are underlying medical issues that might complicate the case. This antibiotic drug is typically given in combination with cilastatin, which inhibits the breakdown of imipenem in the kidneys to make sure it has time to work in the body. To address concerns about drug resistance, the use of this medication is not recommended unless a patient’s condition is definitely caused by bacteria. A culture may be recommended to confirm the nature of an infection and determine which organisms are responsible.
One consideration with imipenem dose is the severity and type of infection a patient has. Those with moderate infections receive lower doses, while severe infections require a higher initial imipenem dose. High dosing is used to aggressively attack bacteria to increase the patient’s chances of survival. This medication can be appropriate for a variety of infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
If a culture is requested, a sample can be taken from the site of the infection and cultivated in a lab. This allows a technician to determine what is causing the infection, to confirm the presence of bacteria. Additionally, the culture can include an antibiotic susceptibility test to find out which antibiotic would be most effective. Before the patient receives any drug, finding out which one will work can be important, as this can reduce the risk of getting a useless medication that might contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Another issue with imipenem dose is the existence of liver or kidney problems. These may require a dosage adjustment to avoid overloading the organs and causing complications. If a patient has a known history, or could be at risk, it may be necessary to run a blood test to check on organ function before providing the medication. Patients who receive high doses with impaired organs could be at risk of more serious complications.
After patients get an imipenem dose, they can be monitored for side effects. Allergic reactions in particular are a concern, as they indicate the medication is not safe and should be discontinued. Patients who develop rashes, high fevers, and disorientation may be allergic, and need to be treated with a different medication. Detecting bad reactions and allergies can be complicated if a patient is hospitalized for a severe infection and takes several medications, because it may be difficult to tell which one is causing the problem.