Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Carbapenems are a class of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics highly effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. They are often used as a last-resort treatment for severe or high-risk bacterial infections.
Carbapenems include drugs like imipenem, meropenem, doripenem, and ertapenem.
They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a significant concern due to limited treatment options.
They are often reserved for multi-drug resistant infections due to their strong antibacterial activity.
Common uses include treating complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial meningitis.
Related terms
Beta-lactam antibiotics: A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that includes penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems.
Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs): A group of proteins that are targeted by beta-lactam antibiotics to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): A group of bacteria that have developed resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, posing significant treatment challenges.