Tag Archive for: carbapenems

In this review, we summarize the current “state of the art” of carbapenem antibiotics and their role in our antimicrobial armamentarium. Among the beta-lactams currently available, carbapenems are unique because they are relatively resistant to hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases. Herein, we described the cost effectiveness, safety, and advantages of carbapenems as compared to other antibiotics. We also highlight important features of the carbapenems that are presently in clinical use: imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem, ertapenem, doripenem, panipenem-betamipron, and biapenem. In closing, we emphasize some major challenges related to oral formulatuion of carbapenems and different strategies to overcome these challenges.