Carbapenem
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Carbapenems are a class of beta-lactam antibiotics, the structure of which renders them highly resistant to beta-lactamases.
The following drugs belong to the carbapenem class:
- Imipenem (often given as part of Imipenem/cilastatin)
- Meropenem
- Ertapenem
- Faropenem
- Doripenem
- Panipenem/betamipron
These agents have a generally expanded antibacterial spectrum compared to other beta-lactam classes such as penicillins and cephalosporins. Additionally they are generally resistant to the typical bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes which are one of the principal resistance mechanisms of bacteria.
Due to their expanded spectra, the desire to avoid generation of resistance and the fact that they have generally poor oral bioavailability, they are administered intravenously in hospital settings for more serious infections.
[edit] External links
- Structure Activity Relationships "Antibacterial Agents; Structure Activity Relationships," André Bryskier MD; beginning at pp131
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