ANTIPSEUDOMONAL PENICILLINS

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is ubiquitous and is one of the major pathogens responsible for severe nosocomial infection. Pseudomonas bacteremia c arries a high mortality rate, even after the introduction of antipseud omonal agents. There are two groups of antipseudomonal penicillins: th e carboxypenicillins and the ureidopenicillins. Other agents with anti pseudomonal activity include antipseudomonal cephalosporins, monobacta ms, carbapenems, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. This article reviews only the antipseudomonal penicillins. Antibacterial spectrum, pharmac okinetics, clinical utility, combination therapy, and adverse effects are also discussed.