Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Maintaining carbapenem therapy

Carbapenem antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking.

Carbapenem antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking. Used for Serious bacterial infections (gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms), Hospital-acquired infections, Sepsis and severe infections in hospitalized patients.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Carbapenems are broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics that penetrate bacterial cell walls and irreversibly bind to penicillin-binding proteins, preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands essential for cell wall integrity. This leads to cell wall rupture and bacterial death. They are effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, including many beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

Approved indications

• Serious bacterial infections (gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic)
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Phlebitis at injection site
• Seizures (rare, especially with renal impairment)
• Allergic reactions

Key clinical trials

• Efficacy of Empirical Anti-Infective Therapy in Neutropenic Febrile Patients.
• Effect of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing and Antibiotic/PPI Stewardship on Prevention of CPE Transmission and Infection (NA)
• Deescalating Carbapenems in Hospital Setting (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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