In vitro study of the embolic characteristics of imipenem/cilastatin particles

Imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS) has long been administered intravenously as a carbapenem antibiotic. However, since this agent is poorly soluble in liquid, occasional reports have described its use as a short-acting, temporary embolic agent. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of IPM/CS particles, which are thought to have pain-relieving effects against osteoarthritis-related pain, as an embolic agent. Three aspects of IPM/CS as an embolic agent were evaluated in vitro: particle size; particle shape; and change in particle size over time. For particle size, the long diameter was measured. Mean particle size (n=244) was 29.2±12.0 µm (range, 1–60 µm). Shape (n=109) was round in 18.35