Primaxin (Cilastatin/Imipenem)

Name: Primaxin
Brand: Merck
SKU: 7338
Availability: InStock

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Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Primaxin 25 x 20ml Vials of Powder for Intravenous Infusion

Manufacturer: Merck

Country: Canada

Dosage: 500 mg/500 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Primaxin

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There is no generic product of Primaxin.

Primaxin Information

Primaxin at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The manufacturer of Primaxin (imipenem and cilastatin) is Merck & Co. (known as MSD outside the US and Canada). In Canada, brand-name Primaxin is marketed by Merck Canada Inc. This medication is a heavyweight in the carbapenem antibiotic class, specifically designed for serious hospital-based infections.

Generic cilastatin/imipenem is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

Dosage:

Primaxin is available in the following strengths and forms:
• Powder for Solution: 500 mg/500 mg vials for intravenous infusion.

The standard adult dosage is 500 to 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours, administered by slow intravenous infusion over 20 to 60 minutes.

Usage:

Primaxin is a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic reserved for serious or complicated bacterial infections, including those that are resistant to other drugs. It is primarily used to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections, severe respiratory tract infections (like hospital-acquired pneumonia), and complicated urinary tract infections. It is also an essential treatment for septicemia (blood poisoning), bone and joint infections, and gynecological infections. Because it is a "last-resort" antibiotic, it is often used when "superbugs" are suspected. Like all antibiotics, Primaxin only treats bacterial infections; it will not work for viral illnesses like the flu or the common cold.

Mechanism of Action
Primaxin works through a two-part system to kill bacteria while protecting the medication itself. Imipenem is the antibiotic component. It binds to and inhibits penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. This prevents the bacteria from building their protective walls, causing them to burst and die. Cilastatin is not an antibiotic; rather, it is a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor. Without cilastatin, the kidneys would naturally break down imipenem before it could do its job. Cilastatin blocks the kidney enzyme that degrades imipenem, ensuring that high levels of imipenem remain in the urinary tract and bloodstream to fight the infection effectively.

Healthcare professionals administer Primaxin in a hospital or clinic, according to the product monograph. If you are receiving this treatment, ensure you complete the full course to prevent the infection from returning or the development of antibiotic resistance.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Primaxin, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Primaxin (cilastatin/imipenem). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects: These are common side effects of Primaxin; other side effects are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Redness or pain at the injection site

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction involving swelling of the face or throat and difficulty breathing.
• C. diff-associated Diarrhea: Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea with stomach cramps and fever.
• Seizures: Especially in patients with existing brain disorders or kidney problems.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Widespread rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Primaxin, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Primaxin or cilastatin/imipenem if:
• Allergies: You have a known hypersensitivity to imipenem, cilastatin, or other carbapenems.
• Severe Penicillin Allergy: Use with extreme caution if you have a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins, as cross-reactivity can occur.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Primaxin. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• Central Nervous System Disorders: Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, strokes, or head injuries.
• Gastrointestinal Disease: Especially a history of colitis.
• Kidney Disease: The dosage must be carefully adjusted based on your kidney function to avoid toxic buildup and seizures.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Primaxin, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the product monograph at https://www.merck.ca/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/04/PRIMAXIN-PM_E.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Primaxin. Primaxin may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to:
• Ganciclovir: Taking this with Primaxin may increase the risk of generalized seizures.
• Probenecid: Can increase the levels of cilastatin and imipenem in the blood.
• Valproic Acid: Primaxin can cause a dangerous drop in the levels of this seizure medication, potentially leading to breakthrough seizures.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Primaxin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. It is unknown if the ingredients pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medication.

Use in Children:

Primaxin is approved for use in children (except those with CNS infections), including neonates. The medical team carefully calculates the dose based on weight, age, and infection severity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Primaxin at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Primaxin more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Primaxin, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Primaxin I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can dispense up to a three-month supply of Primaxin per prescription from your doctor.

Can I buy Primaxin from you over the counter?

No, Primaxin requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Primaxin?

No, the generic alternative is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).s

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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