Carbapenems

Question 1

What are the carbapenems?

Answer 1

1. Imipenem (cilastatin): only drug on chart
2. Meropenem
3. Ertapenem
4. Doripenem

Question 2

What is the route of administration for carbapenems?

Answer 2

Parenteral only

Question 3

What is the spectrum of activity for carbapenems?

Answer 3

1. Broad spectrum against gram positives, gram negatives, and anaerobes
2. Some MDR gram negative rods

Question 4

What bacteria are carbapenems not effective against?

Answer 4

1. MRSA
2. Stenotrophomonas
3. Enterococcus: except imipenem
4. Coagulase negative staphylococus

Question 5

What are the clinical indications for carbapenems?

Answer 5

1. Hospital acquired infection
2. Intr-abdominal infections
3. Hospital acquired pneumonia/VAP
4. Post0neurosurgical meningitis
5. ESBL-producing Gram negative rods

Question 6

What are the SE of carbapenems?

Answer 6

1. Allergic rxn

2. Increased risk of seizure

Question 7

What is the moa of carbapenems?

Answer 7

Similar to PCN: preventing transpeptidation of peptidoglycan layers in the cell wall by binding to PBP’s