Last reviewed · How we verify

Imipenem, Cilastatin and Relebactam

Joseph L. Kuti, PharmD · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Imipenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, cilastatin protects imipenem from renal degradation, and relebactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacterial resistance.

Imipenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, cilastatin protects imipenem from renal degradation, and relebactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacterial resistance. Used for Complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis, Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP).

At a glance

Generic nameImipenem, Cilastatin and Relebactam
Also known asRecarbrio
SponsorJoseph L. Kuti, PharmD
Drug classCarbapenem antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor
TargetPenicillin-binding proteins (PBPs); beta-lactamase inhibition
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Imipenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic that disrupts peptidoglycan cross-linking in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death. Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that prevents renal metabolism of imipenem, increasing its bioavailability. Relebactam is a non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects imipenem from degradation by bacterial beta-lactamases, extending its spectrum to include beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results