Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Antimicrobial Synergy Testing by the Inkjet Printer-assisted Automated Checkerboard Array and the Manual Time-kill Method
Published on: April 18, 2019
Carbapenems in the USA: focus on doripenem
1Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. pdlister@creighton.edu
Abstract:
The threat of antibacterial resistance continues to increase globally, and therapeutic options for the treatment of some serious infectious diseases are diminishing. The carbapenems are a potent class of broad-spectrum drugs, and their stability against hydrolysis by many important beta-lactamases make them an important weapon in the treatment of beta-lactamase-producing bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on four carbapenems of clinical importance in the USA: imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem and doripenem. After a historical review of carbapenem development, these four carbapenems are evaluated based on their mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, potency, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacokinetics, clinical profiles and toxicity issues.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA