Primaxin Drug Information

Generic name: IMIPENEM AND CILASTATIN SODIUM

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Uses of Primaxin

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

PRIMAXIN for intravenous use is indicated for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Acinetobacter species, Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella species, Serratia marcescens.

Urinary Tract Infections (complicated and uncomplicated)

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of urinary tract infections (complicated and uncomplicated) caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Intra-Abdominal Infections

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Morganella morganii, Proteus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bifidobacterium species, Clostridium species, Eubacterium species, Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species, Propionibacterium species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis, Fusobacterium species.

Gynecologic Infections

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of gynecologic infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococci), Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Klebsiella species, Proteus species, Bifidobacterium species, Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species, Propionibacterium species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis.

Bacterial Septicemia

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of bacterial septicemia caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis.

Bone and Joint Infections

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of bone and joint infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter species, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia species, Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis, Fusobacterium species.

Endocarditis

PRIMAXIN is indicated for the treatment of endocarditis caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase-producing isolates).

Limitations of Use

PRIMAXIN is not indicated in patients with meningitis because safety and efficacy have not been established. PRIMAXIN is not recommended in pediatric patients with CNS infections because of the risk of seizures. PRIMAXIN is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 30 kg with impaired renal function, as no data are available.

Periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic and hematopoietic, is advisable during prolonged therapy. 1.10 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of PRIMAXIN and other antibacterial drugs, PRIMAXIN should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage & Administration of Primaxin

If the infection is suspected or proven to be due to a susceptible bacterial species500 mg every 6 hours OR 1000 mg every 8 hours
If the infection is suspected or proven to be due to bacterial species with intermediate susceptibility [see Microbiology (12.4)]1000 mg every 6 hours

Side Effects of Primaxin

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Patients During clinical investigations 1,723 patients were treated with PRIMAXIN. Table 4 shows the incidence of adverse reactions reported during the clinical investigations of adult patients treated with PRIMAXIN. Table 4: Incidence (%) Adverse reactions with an incidence ≥0.2% of PRIMAXIN-treated adult patients. of Adverse Reactions Reported During Clinical Investigations of Adult Patients Treated with PRIMAXIN Body System Adverse Reactions Frequency (%) Local Administration site Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis 3.1% Pain at the injection site 0.7% Erythema at the injection site 0.4% Vein induration 0.2% Gastrointestinal Nausea 2.0% Diarrhea 1.8% Vomiting 1.5% Skin Rash 0.9% Pruritus 0.3% Urticaria 0.2% Vascular Hypotension 0.4% Body as a Whole Fever 0.5% Nervous system Seizures 0.4% Dizziness 0.3% Somnolence 0.2% Additional adverse reactions reported in less than 0.2% of the patients or reported since the drug was marketed are listed within each body system in order of decreasing severity . Table 5: Additional Adverse Reactions Occurring in Less than 0.2% of Adult Patients Listed within Each Body System in Order of Decreasing Severity Body System Adverse Reactions Gastrointestinal Pseudomembranous Colitis (the onset of Pseudomembranous colitis symptoms), Hemorrhagic Colitis Gastroenteritis Abdominal Pain Glossitis Tongue Papillar Hypertrophy Heartburn Pharyngeal Pain Increased Salivation CNS Encephalopathy Confusion Myoclonus Paresthesia Vertigo Headache Special Senses Hearing Loss Tinnitus Respiratory Chest Discomfort Dyspnea Hyperventilation Thoracic Spine Pain Cardiovascular Palpitations Tachycardia Skin Erythema Multiforme Angioneurotic Edema Flushing Cyanosis Hyperhidrosis Skin Texture Changes Candidiasis Pruritus Vulvae Local Administration site Infused vein infection Body as a Whole Polyarthralgia Asthenia/Weakness Renal Oliguria/Anuria Polyuria Adverse Laboratory Changes The following adverse laboratory changes were reported during clinical trials: Hepatic: Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Hemic: Increased eosinophils, positive Coombs test, increased WBC, increased platelets, decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased monocytes, abnormal prothrombin time, increased lymphocytes, increased basophils Electrolytes: Decreased serum sodium, increased potassium, increased chloride Renal: Increased BUN, creatinine Urinalysis: Presence of urine protein, urine red blood cells, urine white blood cells, urine casts, urine bilirubin, and urine urobilinogen. Pediatric Patients Table 6: Incidence (%) Adverse reactions that occurred in >1% of PRIMAXIN-treated pediatric patients (greater than or equal to 3 months of age) of Adverse Reactions Reported During Clinical Investigations of Pediatric Patients Greater Than or Equal to 3 Months of Age Treated with PRIMAXIN Body System Adverse Reactions Frequency (%) Local Administration Site Phlebitis 2.2% Intravenous Site Irritation 1.1% Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 3.9% Gastroenteritis 1.1% Vomiting 1.1% Skin Rash 2.2% Renal Urine Discoloration 1.1% Table 7: Incidence (%) Adverse reactions that occurred in >1% of PRIMAXIN-treated pediatric patients (neonates to 3 months of age) of Adverse Reactions Reported During Clinical Investigations of Pediatric Patients Neonates to 3 Months of Age Treated with PRIMAXIN Body System Adverse Reactions Frequency (%) Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 3% CNS Convulsions 5.9% Cardiovascular Tachycardia 1.5% Skin Rash 1.5% Body as a Whole Oral Candidiasis 1.5% Renal Oliguria/Anuria 2.2% Adverse Laboratory Changes The following adverse laboratory changes were reported in studies of 178 pediatric patients 3 months of age: increased AST (SGOT), decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit, increased platelets, increased eosinophils, increased ALT (SGPT), increased urine protein, decreased neutrophils.

The following adverse laboratory changes were reported in studies of 135 patients (neonates to 3 months of age): increased eosinophils, increased AST (SGPT), increased serum creatinine, increased/decreased platelet count, increased/decreased bilirubin, increased ALT (SGPT), increased alkaline phosphatase, increased/decreased hematocrit.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of PRIMAXIN. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Table 8: Adverse Reactions Identified During Post Approval Use of PRIMAXIN Body System Adverse Reactions Gastrointestinal Hepatitis (including fulminant hepatitis) Hepatic failure Jaundice Staining of the teeth and/or tongue Hematologic Pancytopenia Bone marrow depression Thrombocytopenia Neutropenia Leukopenia Hemolytic anemia CNS Tremor Psychic disturbances including hallucinations Dyskinesia Agitation Special Senses Taste perversion Skin Stevens-Johnson syndrome Toxic epidermal necrolysis Body as a whole Drug fever Renal Acute renal failure Urine discoloration Adverse Laboratory Changes Adverse laboratory changes reported since the drug was marketed were: Hematologic: agranulocytosis. Examination of published literature and spontaneous adverse reactions reports suggested a similar spectrum of adverse reactions in adult and pediatric patients.

Warnings & Cautions for Primaxin

Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported

in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions when treated with another beta-lactam.

Before initiating therapy with PRIMAXIN, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams and other allergens. If an allergic reaction to PRIMAXIN occurs, discontinue the drug immediately. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment as clinically indicated.

Seizure Potential Seizures and other

CNS adverse experiences, such as confusional states and myoclonic activity, have been reported during treatment with PRIMAXIN, especially when recommended dosages were exceeded. These experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function . However, there have been reports of CNS adverse experiences in patients who had no recognized or documented underlying CNS disorder or compromised renal function. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders.

If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, patients should be evaluated neurologically, placed on anticonvulsant therapy if not already instituted, and the dosage of PRIMAXIN re-examined to determine whether it should be decreased, or the antibacterial drug discontinued.

Increased Seizure Potential Due to Interaction with Valproic Acid Case reports in

the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including PRIMAXIN, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Increasing the dose of valproic acid or divalproex sodium may not be sufficient to overcome this interaction.

The concomitant use of PRIMAXIN and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Antibacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. If administration of PRIMAXIN is necessary, supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered.

Close adherence to the recommended dosage and dosage schedules is urged, especially in patients with known factors that predispose to convulsive activity.

Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been

reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including PRIMAXIN, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.

CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.

Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria As with other antibacterial drugs, prolonged use of

PRIMAXIN may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Prescribing PRIMAXIN in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Drug Interactions with Primaxin

Ganciclovir Generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and

PRIMAXIN. These drugs should not be used concomitantly with PRIMAXIN unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Probenecid

Concomitant administration of PRIMAXIN and probenecid results in increases in the plasma level and half-life of imipenem. Therefore, it is not recommended that probenecid be given concomitantly with PRIMAXIN.

Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of

carbapenems, including PRIMAXIN, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid.

The concomitant use of PRIMAXIN and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Antibacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well-controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium.

Pregnancy Safety for Primaxin

Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of postmarketing cases with PRIMAXIN use in pregnancy are not sufficient to identify any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Developmental toxicity studies with imipenem and cilastatin sodium (alone or in combination) administered to mice, rats, rabbits, and monkeys at doses 0.4 to 2.9 times the recommended human dose (RHD), (based on body surface area), showed no drug-induced fetal malformations. Embryofetal development studies with imipenem/cilastatin administered to cynomolgus monkeys at doses similar to the RHD (based on body surface area) showed an increase in embryonic loss (see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies within the general population. Data Animal Data Reproductive toxicity studies with imipenem and cilastatin (alone or in combination) administered to mice, rats, and rabbits showed no evidence of effects on embryofetal (mice, rats and rabbits) or pre/postnatal (rats) development.

Imipenem was administered intravenously to rats (gestation days (GD) 7 to 17) and rabbits (GD 6 to 18) at doses up to 900 and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively, approximately 2.9 and 0.4 times the RHD (based on body surface area). Cilastatin was administered subcutaneously to rats (GD 6 to 17) and intravenously to rabbits (GD 6 to 18) at doses up to 1000 and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively, approximately 3.2 and 1.9 times the RHD (based on body surface area). Imipenem/cilastatin was administered intravenously to mice at doses up to 320 mg/kg/day (GD 6 to 15). In two separate studies, imipenem/cilastatin was administered to rats (GD 6 to 17 and GD 15 to day 21 postpartum) both intravenously at doses up to 80 mg/kg/day and subcutaneously at 320 mg/kg/day. The higher dose is approximately equal to the RHD (based on body surface area). Imipenem/cilastatin administered intravenously to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis at 100 mg/kg/day, approximately 0.6 times the RHD (based on body surface area), at an infusion rate mimicking human clinical use, was not associated with fetal malformations, but there was an increase in embryonic loss relative to controls. Imipenem/cilastatin administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis at 40 mg/kg/day by bolus intravenous injection caused significant maternal toxicity including death and embryofetal loss.

Pediatric Use of Primaxin

Pediatric Use Use of PRIMAXIN in pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials of PRIMAXIN in adults and clinical studies in pediatric patients . PRIMAXIN is not recommended in pediatric patients with CNS infections because of the risk of seizures. PRIMAXIN is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 30 kg with renal impairment, as no data are available.

Contraindications for Primaxin

is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Known hypersensitivity to any component of PRIMAXIN

Overdosage Information for Primaxin

In the case of overdosage, discontinue PRIMAXIN, treat symptomatically, and institute supportive measures as required. PRIMAXIN is hemodialyzable.

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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