A new triple-drug combination antibiotic for complicated UTIs and intra-abdominal infections

A combination of imipenem, cilastatin and relebactam has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) resulting from Gram-negative microorganisms. The drug is intended for use in situations when there are limited or no alternative antibacterial drugs for treating the infection.

Available as an injection, the three-drug combination includes imipenem-cilastatin, which is already a FDA-approved antibiotic and relebactam, a new beta-lactamase inhibitor.

Adverse effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, fever and increased liver enzymes.

Caution

·         Avoid using patients taking ganciclovir unless the benefits outweigh the risks due to the risk of generalized seizures.

·         Also, avoid using in patients taking anticonvulsant drugs (valproic acid or divalproex sodium) as a reduction in valproic acid level may lead to seizures.

(Source: US FDA, Medscape)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA