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
| Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| ertapenem systemic (Pro) Brand name: Invanz |
7 reviews | |
| meropenem systemic (Pro) Brand name: Merrem |
2 reviews | |
| cilastatin / imipenem systemic (Pro) Brand name: Primaxin IV |
1 review | |
| 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). | ||
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with carbapenems:
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- Bacteremia
- Bacterial Infection
- Bone infection
- Bronchitis
- Deep Neck Infection
- Endocarditis
- Endometritis
- Febrile Neutropenia
- Infection Prophylaxis
- Intraabdominal Infection
- Joint Infection
- Kidney Infections
- Lemierre's Syndrome
- Meningitis
- Nosocomial Pneumonia
- Pelvic Infections
- Peritonitis
- Pneumonia
- Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis
- Septicemia
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.