Other Brands/Names

Imipenem-Cilastatin, Meropenem, Doripenem, Biapenem, Ertapenem.

How It Works

Carbapenem is a class of antibiotics that belong to the beta-lactam family. They work by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial cell death. This mechanism helps to stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections.

Indications

Carbapenem is used to treat a wide range of severe and complicated infections, including:

• Complicated or severe skin infections

• Severe lung infections, such as pneumonia

• Complicated urinary tract infections

• Severe gastrointestinal infections

• Severe bacterial infections of the brain and spinal cord lining (meningitis)

Contraindications

Carbapenems should not be used by individuals with a history of allergy to carbapenem antibiotics or other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporin.

Side Effects

Common side effects of carbapenems may include:

• Swelling

• Redness or pain at the injection site

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, include:

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears or decreased hearing

• Mood changes, like confusion

• Numbness or tingling of the skin

• Swelling of the ankles

• Unusual weight gain

• Unexplained fatigue

• Seizures

Types

Carbapenem is available as 1-gram vials of injectable powder.

Dosage

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

• Adults: 2 grams every 8 hours via IV infusion over 15-30 minutes
• Children ≥3 months old

  • Weight ≤50 kg: 40 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV infusion over 15-30 minutes

  • Weight >50 kg: Same as adult dose

Other Severe Infections Caused by Gram-Negative or Gram-Positive Bacteria

• Adults: 0.5-1 gram every 8 hours via IV infusion over 15-30 minutes or by slow injection over 3-5 minutes
• Children ≥3 months old

  • Weight ≤50 kg: 10-20 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV infusion over 15-30 minutes or by slow injection over 3-5 minutes

  • Weight >50 kg: Same as adult dose

Safety

• This medication may cause side effects such as pain, headache, numbness or tingling, and seizures.
• Additionally, some forms of carbapenems contain sodium (salt), so individuals on a restricted-salt diet should consult their doctor.
• Carbapenems may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. It is important to inform your healthcare provider before receiving any live vaccines while on this medication.
• During pregnancy, carbapenems should only be used if clearly necessary.
• This medication is excreted in breast milk, so it is essential to consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Carbapenems can lower blood levels of valproic acid (an anticonvulsant medication), which may increase the risk of seizures.

• Carbapenems may also enhance the effects and side effects of warfarin, a blood thinner.

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