see also:

• antibiotics

• broad spectrum against many Gram +ves, -ves & anaerobes
• reserved for ICU use

• a derivative of thienamycin;
• It is a potent broad spectrum antibiotic used for severe intra-abdominal sepsis or serious infections with Enterobacteriaceae which produce inducible b-lactamase;
• Suitable for most penicilin-sensitive pts;
• It has a high degree of stability in presence of b-lactamases;
• It is inactivated by dihydropeptidases in the renal tubules → low urinary concentrations → hence combined with cilastatin (a renal dipeptidase inhib.) for Rx of UTI
• It has activity against enteric Gram -ve rods & Pseud.aer. comparable to aminoglycosides, & also has excellent activity against anaerobes incl. B.fragilis & many Gram +ves.
• It is given with aminoglycosides to reduce risk of Pseudomonas resistance emerging.
• It does not reliably cover MRSA nor is it active against some strains of Pseudomonas.
• Expensive, restricted use.
• see imipenem

• see meropenem