vancomycin + gentamicin + meropenem

This experimental antibiotic combination, developed by researchers at the University of Aarhus, consists of oral vancomycin, gentamicin, and meropenem. It was investigated as a gut sterilization regimen for patients with alcoholic hepatitis to prevent the translocation of gut-derived bacteria and their products (such as lipopolysaccharides) into the portal circulation. By reducing this translocation, the treatment aimed to attenuate hepatic macrophage activation and systemic inflammation, which are key drivers of liver injury in this population. The antibiotics were selected for their broad-spectrum activity and negligible systemic absorption when administered orally. Despite the theoretical rationale, clinical trial results indicated that the intervention did not significantly affect markers of bacterial translocation or macrophage activation compared to standard care.

Other names

Combined Vancomycin and Gentamycin and MeropenemGut Sterilisation Cocktail