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Carbapenems

What are Carbapenems?

Carbapenems are a class of beta-lactam antibiotic that are active against many aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Thienamycin was the first carbapenem to be discovered in 1976. Carbapenems are notable for their ability to inhibit beta-lactamase enzymes (also called penicillinase) - a type of enzyme that greatly reduces the activity of antibiotics such as penicillins and cephamycins. Of all the beta-lactam antibiotics, carbapenems possess the broadest spectrum of activity and the greatest potency against bacteria. Because of this, they are often reserved for more severe infections or used as "last-line" agents.

Carbapenems inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the penicillin-binding proteins and interfering with cell wall formation.

List of Carbapenems

View by  Brand | Generic
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
Invanz (Pro)
Generic name: ertapenem
4.0
3 reviews
Primaxin IM
Generic name: cilastatin / imipenem
10
1 review
Doribax (Pro)
Generic name: doripenem
10
1 review
Primaxin IV (Pro)
Generic name: cilastatin / imipenem
No reviews
Merrem (Pro)
Generic name: meropenem
No reviews
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.