Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

recarbrio

Recarbrio is a combination medicine containing Cilastatin Sodium, Imipenem, and Relebactam.

Cilastatin Sodium and Imipenem and Relebactam · by Msd Merck Co

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Cilastatin Sodium and Imipenem and Relebactam
Form
Injectable
Strength
Cilastatin Sodium EQ 500MG BASE/VIAL; Imipenem 500MG/VIAL; Relebactam 250MG/VIAL
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Msd Merck Co
FDA application
NDA212819

What is Recarbrio?

From the FDA label:RECARBRIO (imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam) for injection is an antibacterial combination product consisting of imipenem, a carbapenem antibacterial drug, cilastatin, a renal dehydropeptidase inhibitor, and relebactam, a diazabicyclooctane beta-lactamase inhibitor, for intravenous administration. Imipenem Imipenem is a beta lactam antibacterial drug. Imipenem (N-formimidoylthienamycin monohydrate) is a crystalline derivative of thienamycin, which is produced by Streptomyces cattleya . The chemical name is (5 R ,6 S )-3-[[2-(formimidoylamino)ethyl]thio]-6-[( R )-1-hydroxyethyl]-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid monohydrate. It is an off-white, non-hygroscopic crystalline compound, sparingly soluble in water. The empirical formula is C 12 H 17 N 3 O 4 S∙H 2 O and the molecular weight is 317.37. Figure 1: Chemical structure of imipenem Chemical Structure Cilastatin Cilastatin sodium is the sodium salt of a derivatized heptenoic acid. The chemical name is sodium ( Z )-7-[[( R )-2-amino-2-carboxyethyl]thio]-2-[( S )-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamido]-2-heptenoate. It is an off-white to white, hygroscopic, amorphous compound, very soluble in water. The empirical formula is C 16 H 25 N 2 NaO 5 S and the molecular weight is 380.44. Figure 2: Chemical structure of cilastatin sodium Chemical Structure Relebactam Relebactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It is…

How to use

Adult Patients: The recommended dosage of RECARBRIO is 1.25 grams (imipenem 500 mg, cilastatin 500 mg, relebactam 250 mg) administered by intravenous (IV) infusion over 30 minutes every 6 hours to adult patients with creatinine clearance (CLcr) 90 mL/min or greater. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients weighing at least 2 kg: The recommended dosage of RECARBRIO for pediatric patients weighing at least 2kg varies by patient weight and age, with specific dosing recommendations as shown in the table below, ( 2.2 ): Recommended Dosage of RECARBRIO In Pediatric Patients Weighing at Least 2 kg Age Range Body Weight Dose Dosing Frequency Infusion Duration Birth Pediatric patients from birth (includes pediatric patients at least 37 weeks post-menstrual age) to less than 3 months 2 kg or greater RECARBRIO 37.5 Provides 15 mg/kg imipenem, 15 mg/kg cilastatin, and 7.5 mg/kg relebactam mg/kg Every 8 hours 60 minutes 3 months to less than 18 years less than 30 kg RECARBRIO 37.5 mg/kg Every 6 hours 60 minutes 3 months to less than 18 years 30 kg or greater RECARBRIO 1.25 Provides 500 mg imipenem, 500 mg cilastatin, and 250 mg, relebactam grams Every 6 hours 30 minutes Dose reduction is required in adult and pediatric (weighing at least 30 kg) patients with renal impairment. ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) Do not administer RECARBRIO to adults with CLcr less than 15 mL/min unless hemodialysis is instituted within 48…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section. Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Seizures and Other Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Increased Seizure Potential Due to Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Adult HABP/VABP Patients: The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in greater than or equal to 5% of patients treated with RECARBRIO were aspartate aminotransferase increased, anemia, alanine aminotransferase increased, diarrhea, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia. ( 6 ) Adult cUTI and cIAI Patients: The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of patients treated with imipenem/cilastatin plus relebactam 250 mg, the components of RECARBRIO, were diarrhea, nausea, headache, vomiting, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, phlebitis/infusion site reactions, pyrexia, and hypertension. ( 6 ) Pediatric HABP/VABP, cUTI, and cIAI Patients: The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in greater than 3% of pediatric patients treated with RECARBRIO were vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, headache, phlebitis/infusion site reactions,…

Warnings

Important safety information

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta lactam drugs. Discontinue RECARBRIO immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. ( 5.1 ) Seizures and Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions: CNS adverse reactions such as seizures have been reported with imipenem/cilastatin, a component of RECARBRIO. If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, evaluate patients, to determine whether RECARBRIO should be discontinued. ( 5.2 ) Increased Seizure Potential Due to Interaction with Valproic Acid: Concomitant use of RECARBRIO with valproic acid or divalproex sodium may reduce the serum concentration of valproic acid which may increase the risk of breakthrough seizures. Avoid concomitant use or consider alternative antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems. ( 5.3 , 7.2 ) Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Has been reported with RECARBRIO. Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta lactams. Before initiating therapy with RECARBRIO, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta lactams, and other allergens. If a hypersensitivity reaction to RECARBRIO occurs, discontinue the therapy immediately. RECARBRIO is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to any component of RECARBRIO [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.2 Seizures and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions CNS adverse reactions, such as seizures, confusional states, and myoclonic activity, have been reported during treatment with imipenem/cilastatin, a component of RECARBRIO, especially when recommended dosages of imipenem were exceeded . These have been reported most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function . Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders. If CNS adverse reactions including seizures occur, patients should undergo a neurological evaluation to determine whether RECARBRIO should be discontinued. 5.3 Increased Seizure Potential Due to Interaction with Valproic Acid Concomitant use of RECARBRIO, with valproic acid or divalproex sodium may increase the risk of breakthrough seizures. Avoid concomitant use of RECARBRIO with valproic acid or divalproex sodium or consider alternative antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. 5.4 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including RECARBRIO, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. 5.5 Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria Prescribing RECARBRIO in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Who should not take Recarbrio

RECARBRIO is contraindicated in patients with a history of known severe hypersensitivity (severe systemic allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis) to any component of RECARBRIO. RECARBRIO is contraindicated in patients with a history of known severe hypersensitivity to any component of RECARBRIO. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

In the event of overdose, discontinue RECARBRIO, treat symptomatically, and institute general supportive treatment. Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam can be removed by hemodialysis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . No clinical information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Ganciclovir: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) Valproic Acid or Divalproex Sodium: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Ganciclovir Generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir concomitantly with imipenem/cilastatin, a component of RECARBRIO. Ganciclovir should not be used concomitantly with RECARBRIO unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. 7.2 Valproic Acid Based on case reports in the literature concomitant use of carbapenems, including imipenem/cilastatin, components of RECARBRIO, with valproic acid or divalproex sodium may decrease valproic acid concentrations which may increase the risk of breakthrough seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid . Avoid concomitant use of RECARBRIO with valproic acid or divalproex sodium. Consider alternative antibacterials other than carbapenems to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium.

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

Is there a coupon or discount for Recarbrio?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Recarbrio. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Recarbrio?
Recarbrio is marketed by Msd Merck Co. You can see Msd Merck Co's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Recarbrio a brand-name or generic drug?
Recarbrio is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cilastatin Sodium and Imipenem and Relebactam.
Is Recarbrio available over the counter?
No. Recarbrio is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Recarbrio come in?
Recarbrio is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Recarbrio FDA-registered?
Recarbrio is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA212819. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Recarbrio safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Recarbrio. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Recarbrio?
Recarbrio's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section. Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Seizures and Other Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Increased Seizure Potent… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Recarbrio head-to-head

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.