What is Recarbrio used for?

Recarbrio is typically used in adults for treating serious infections including pneumonia that develops from the [hospital](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000146.htm) or [ventilator](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/vap/vap.html), [complicated urinary tract infections](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436013/) (UTIs), and 3) [complicated stomach infections](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352101/).

When is Recarbrio considered for use?

Recarbrio is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. But, it's specifically used for people in the hospital who have or might have a severe infection from [resistant bacteria](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/infections/superbugs-and-antibiotic-resistance). These bacteria are difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics. Depending on the type and how severe your infection is, your provider might give Recarbrio to you by itself or together with another antibiotic.

Recarbrio

Used for Bacterial Infection, Gastrointestinal Infection, Urinary Tract Infection

Recarbrio is a newer antibiotic that treats serious infections like certain types of pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and complicated stomach infections. It's commonly used in people who have or might have an infection from resistant bacteria. Recarbrio is given as an injection through the veins and is available as a brand medication only, which can be expensive.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 2, 2022

What is Recarbrio?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Recarbrio
Drug Class	Antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Recarbrio

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Recarbrio

Recarbrio is typically used in adults for treating serious infections including pneumonia that develops from the hospital or ventilator, complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and 3) complicated stomach infections.

Recarbrio is a combination of three medications (imipenem, relebactam, and cilastatin) that work together to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. Imipenem is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from making their protective outer covering. But, some bacteria can make proteins called beta-lactamases that can break down imipenem and cause it to not work well. Relebactam protects imipenem from being broken down by beta-lactamases, which helps imipenem work better at fighting infections. Cilastatin doesn't fight bacteria, but is used to keep levels of imipenem in your body high by preventing your kidneys from getting rid of it.

Recarbrio is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. But, it's specifically used for people in the hospital who have or might have a severe infection from resistant bacteria. These bacteria are difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics. Depending on the type and how severe your infection is, your provider might give Recarbrio to you by itself or together with another antibiotic.

Recarbrio is injected into your veins. It's typically given to people in the hospital by a healthcare provider. But, depending on the infection, some people might be able to take Recarbrio at home under instructions from their provider.

The typical dose of Recarbrio for adults is 1.25 grams intravenously (through the vein, or IV) every 6 hours for a certain number of days. There aren't any dosing recommendations for children younger than 18 years old because Recarbrio hasn't been studied in them yet. Your dose might be lower or less frequent if you have kidney problems.

Some common side effects include low red blood cell count (anemia), high liver enzymes, changes in electrolyte levels, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include fever, constipation, and rash. Your provider will monitor your blood work to make sure you aren't having side effects from Recarbrio.

Recarbrio

What is Recarbrio?

Drug facts

Common questions about Recarbrio

Recarbrio dosage

Typical dosage for Recarbrio

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Common questions about Recarbrio

What is Recarbrio?

Drug facts

Common questions about Recarbrio

What is Recarbrio used for?

How does Recarbrio work?

When is Recarbrio considered for use?

How is Recarbrio given?

What is the dose of Recarbrio?

What are common side effects of Recarbrio?

Recarbrio dosage

Typical dosage for Recarbrio

Common questions about Recarbrio

What is Recarbrio used for?

How does Recarbrio work?

When is Recarbrio considered for use?

How is Recarbrio given?

What is the dose of Recarbrio?

What are common side effects of Recarbrio?