Carbapenems
- Very broad beta-lactam antibiotics
- Strong gram-negative + anaerobic coverage
- Meropenem/imipenem for severe resistant infection
- Ertapenem lacks Pseudomonas/Acinetobacter activity
- Reserve to limit resistance pressure
- Seizure risk highest with imipenem
- Renal dose adjustment is usually needed
Class at a glance
- Very broad beta-lactam antibiotics
Practical pearls
- Strong gram-negative + anaerobic coverage
Members / distinctions
- Ertapenem lacks Pseudomonas/Acinetobacter activity
- Reserve to limit resistance pressure
Safety / monitoring
- Meropenem/imipenem for severe resistant infection
- Seizure risk highest with imipenem
- Renal dose adjustment is usually needed
Self-check
- What key adverse effect/risk occurs with Carbapenems?
Seizure risk highest with imipenem.
Drugs in this class (3)
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