Carbapenam
Overview of Carbapenem antibiotics
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Carbapenems are a class of highly effective beta-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of severe or high-risk bacterial infections. They are often reserved for known or suspected multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Carbapenems are structurally related to penicillins and cephalosporins, but they have a broader spectrum of activity.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Carbapenems work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. They bind to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and disrupt the peptidoglycan cross-linking process, which is essential for bacterial cell wall integrity. This leads to cell lysis and death of the bacteria. Carbapenems are resistant to most beta-lactamases, enzymes produced by bacteria that inactivate other beta-lactam antibiotics.
Spectrum of Activity[edit | edit source]
Carbapenems have a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many anaerobic bacteria. They are particularly effective against Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. However, they are not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Enterococcus faecium.
Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]
Carbapenems are used to treat a variety of infections, including:
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
- Pneumonia, including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
Resistance[edit | edit source]
The emergence of carbapenem-resistant organisms is a significant concern. Resistance can occur through the production of carbapenemases, which are enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenems, or through other mechanisms such as efflux pumps and porin mutations. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are particularly concerning due to limited treatment options.
Examples of Carbapenems[edit | edit source]
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of carbapenems include:
Also see[edit | edit source]
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