Carbapenems

Detailed description

Carbapenems belong to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics and inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. They include meropenem and imipenem, for example. They are important drugs for treating severe infections, particularly when other antibiotics are ineffective due to resistance.

However, some bacteria are also resistant to carbapenems. One important cause is the production of carbapenemases—enzymes that can break down carbapenems and render them ineffective. Such resistance can severely limit treatment options.