Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy
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Given their broad-spectrum and safety, carbapenems are a widely used class of antibiotics, especially in the treatment of hospital-acquired infections including infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms. Ertapenem is a unique member of this class, with a narrower spectrum that lacks reliable activity against Pseudomonas and Enterococcus. Given its spectrum and half-life of 4 h it is better suited to use in community-acquired infections and it is particularly well positioned for use in the outpatient setting. ⋯ Substantial differences between the carbapenems exist. Ertapenem has unique characteristics that may make it useful in specific clinical circumstances that are detailed in this review.