Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that are highly effective against a wide range of bacteria. They are often used to treat severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Carbapenems work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which ultimately leads to the death of the bacteria. These antibiotics are typically reserved for serious infections in hospitals, as they are crucial for treating infections that do not respond to other antibiotics. Common examples of carbapenems include meropenem and imipenem. Due to their importance, there is ongoing concern about the rise of carbapenem-resistant bacteria.