imipenem + metronidazole

Imipenem + metronidazole is a combination of two antibiotics used together, primarily in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections and other severe mixed aerobic-anaerobic bacterial infections. Imipenem is a carbapenem β-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis and death. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic with potent activity against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa; it works by disrupting DNA synthesis through reduction of its nitro group within susceptible organisms. The combination provides broad-spectrum coverage against both aerobic (including many Gram-negative) and anaerobic pathogens commonly encountered in intra-abdominal sepsis. This regimen is often used when polymicrobial infection is suspected or confirmed.