Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations.

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• A ß-lactam antibiotic: carbapenem, similar to imipenem.
• Bactericidal
• Usual adult dose: 500mg – 1g tds IV
• Preferred carbapenem if renal impairment. Dosage reduction necessary.
• Very broad spectrum predisposes to candida and other multi-resistant organisms.
• No oral preparation.
• Penetrates into most tissues and fluids including cerebrospinal fluid.
• Less likely to cause neurotoxicity (fitting) than imipenem.

Main indications:

• Microbiology advice – restricted agent.

Active against most strains of:

• Staphylococcus aureus (not MRSA)
• Haemolytic streptococci
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Enterococcus faecalis (amoxicillin-sensitive)
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Neisseira meningitidis
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella spp
• Other Coliforms
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Anaerobes

Not active against most strains of:

• MRSA
• Staphylococcus epidermidis
• Enterococcus faecium (amoxicillin-resistant)
• Candida and other fungal pathogens