Carbapenems are a class of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. They bind to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), disrupting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which ultimately leads to cell lysis and death.
Carbapenems are used to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and intra-abdominal infections. They are particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as some Gram-positive organisms. Due to their broad-spectrum activity and efficacy against resistant strains, carbapenems are often reserved for severe infections where other antibiotics may fail.
