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Primaxin (CILASTATIN)

Merck & Co. · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 65/100

Primaxin works by inhibiting the action of dehydropeptidase, an enzyme that breaks down certain antibiotics, thereby protecting them from degradation and allowing them to reach effective concentrations in the body.

Primaxin (Cilastatin) is a small molecule renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor developed by Merck, targeting dipeptidase 1. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, septicemia, and urinary tract infections. Primaxin is a commercial product, still owned by Merck, and has been FDA-approved since 1985. Key safety considerations include its short half-life of 0.86 hours. As a branded product, its commercial status is patented.

At a glance

Generic nameCILASTATIN
SponsorMerck & Co.
Drug classRenal Dehydropeptidase Inhibitor
TargetDipeptidase 1
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaMetabolic
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1985

Mechanism of action

Imipenem and cilastatin for injection is combination of imipenem and cilastatin. Imipenem is penem antibacterial drug [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)]. Cilastatin sodium is renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor that limits the renal metabolism of imipenem.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity

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