Carbapenems

Definition

Carbapenems are a class of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics highly effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. They are often used as a last-resort treatment for severe or high-risk bacterial infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbapenems include drugs like imipenem, meropenem, doripenem, and ertapenem.
2. They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
3. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a significant concern due to limited treatment options.
4. They are often reserved for multi-drug resistant infections due to their strong antibacterial activity.
5. Common uses include treating complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial meningitis.

Review Questions

• What mechanism do carbapenems use to kill bacteria?
• Why are carbapenems considered 'last-resort' antibiotics?
• Name two types of infections commonly treated with carbapenems.

Related terms

Beta-lactam antibiotics: A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that includes penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs): A group of proteins that are targeted by beta-lactam antibiotics to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): A group of bacteria that have developed resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, posing significant treatment challenges.