carbenicillin

Carbenicillin is a semi-synthetic, bactericidal antibiotic belonging to the carboxypenicillin subgroup of the penicillins. It was discovered by scientists at Beecham and marketed under brand names such as Geocillin and Pyopen. Carbenicillin is primarily used to treat acute and chronic infections of the urinary tract caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, notably including *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Escherichia coli*, *Proteus* species, *Morganella morganii*, *Providencia rettgeri*, *Enterobacter* species, and *Enterococcus faecalis*. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis through acylation of penicillin-sensitive transpeptidase enzymes (penicillin-binding proteins), thereby preventing cross-linking in peptidoglycan strands essential for cell wall integrity. This leads to bacterial cell lysis mediated by autolytic enzymes[1][2][5]. Carbenicillin has limited Gram-positive coverage compared to other penicillins but is notable for its antipseudomonal activity[5]. It is acid-labile but more stable than ampicillin at lower pH[5].

Brand names

GeocillinPyopen

Other names

carbenicillin indanyl sodium