imipenem

noun

im·​i·​pen·​em ˌi-mə-ˈpe-nəm How to pronounce imipenem (audio)
: a semisynthetic carbapenem antibiotic C12H17N3O4S·H2O that is derived from a bacterium (Streptomyces cattleya) and is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria

Examples of imipenem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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An independent data monitoring committee recommended the halt, as the study met its primary endpoint of showing the drug was non-inferior to a combination of the antibiotics imipenem and cilastatin. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imipenem was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Imipenem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imipenem. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

imipenem

noun
im·​i·​pen·​em ˌim-ə-ˈpen-əm How to pronounce imipenem (audio)
: a semisynthetic beta-lactam C12H17N3O4S·H2O that is derived from an antibiotic produced by a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. cattleya) and is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria

Note: Because imipenem is hydrolyzed by a dipeptidase in the kidney, it is administered with cilastatin, an inhibitor of this enzyme.

Five days before admission, the patient was evaluated by an infectious-disease specialist and readmitted to the other hospital for intravenous administration of a three-day course of imipenem-cilastatin …Stephen I. Pelton et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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