Imipenem
Imipenem is a semisynthetic thienamycin that has a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including many multiresistant strains. It is stable to many beta-lactamases. Similar compounds include [meropenem], known for having greater activity against Gram negative bacteria, and the newer [ertapenem] which exhibits a longer half-life due to increased binding to plasma proteins. Imipenem is commonly used in combination with [cilastatin] and is now available in a triple-drug product with cilastatin and [relebactam] which was recently approved by the FDA. Imipenem was first approved by the FDA in November 1985 as the combination product Primaxin marketed by Merck & Co.