Carbapenems Flashcards
Give 3 examples of carbapenems
- Meropenem
- Imipenem
- Ertapenem
What is the mechanism of action of carbapenems?
Inhibit cross-linking of peptide chains in the peptidoglycan bacterial cell wall, resulting in lysis of the weakened bacterial cell wall
What are the potential routes of delivery of carbapenems?
- PO
- IV
What are the potential indications of carbapenems?
- Severe hospital acquired infections
- Polymicrobal infections
When are carbapenems contraindicated?
In patients with hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin
What monitoring is required when giving carbapenems?
- WCC
- CRP
- Patient’s clinical state
What might interact with carbapenems?
Sodium valproate
What effect might carbapenems have when given with sodium valproate?
Reduce plasma concentration of sodium valproate
What are the common or very common side effects of carbapenems?
- GI disturbances, e.g. diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
- Headache
- Mild skin reactions
- Pruritis
- Disturbances in LFTs
What counselling is required when giving patients carbapenem?
- Complete antibiotic course
- Do not take if allergic to penicillin
Why is it important that patients complete their antibiotic course?
Failure to complete the course may result in antibiotic resistance, making infections by the pathogen harder to treat in the future
Why should patients not take carbapenems if they are allergic to penicillin?
Due to cross-sensitivity
