Dental Therapeutics Exam 3 Practice

Seizure risk is a known CNS toxicity specifically associated with imipenem/cilastatin. Carbapenems can lower the brain’s seizure threshold, and imipenem, in particular, has a higher propensity for this side effect, especially at higher doses or in patients with renal impairment or preexisting CNS issues. The statement that seizures occur in about 1.5% of patients treated with this drug points directly to this adverse effect. While rash, anemia, and nausea/vomiting can occur with antibiotics in general, they are not the adverse event highlighted by the given statistic for this medication. If seizures do occur, the drug should be adjusted or discontinued, with management of seizures as needed (e.g., benzodiazepines) and consideration of renal function when planning dosing.