Paper II
2021 December (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)

Question

Imipenem with cilastatin

Q101 marksShort Answers

Answer

Imipenem is extensively metabolized by the renal enzyme dehydropeptidase-I, which rapidly degrades it, resulting in low urinary concentrations and potentially nephrotoxic metabolites if given alone. Cilastatin specifically inhibits dehydropeptidase-I, blocking this renal degradation, thereby increasing imipenem’s plasma half-life, improving urinary concentrations, and reducing the risk of nephrotoxic metabolite formation — making the combination necessary for imipenem’s effective and safe clinical use.

Other Years Asked


Revise MBBS
Preview