imipenem

Imipenem is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic of the carbapenem class. It is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including many multidrug-resistant strains. Imipenem works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), particularly PBP-2, PBP-1a, and PBP-1b in Escherichia coli and selected strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This inhibition prevents the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links essential for bacterial cell wall integrity, leading to cell death. Imipenem is often co-administered with cilastatin—a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that prevents renal metabolism of imipenem—prolonging its activity in the body. It was first approved as part of the combination product Primaxin by Merck & Co., and is also available in triple-drug formulations with cilastatin and relebactam[1][5].

Brand names

PrimaxinRecarbrio

Other names

imipenem anhydrous