Faropenem sodium is an ultra broad-spectrum β-lactam of the penem antibiotic class. It has been shown to be β-lactamase resistant and is especially effective against anaerobic bacteria responsible for oral infections, but targets a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Faropenem sodium is freely soluble in water.

Imipenem is a carbapenem β-lactam antibiotic with a broad target spectrum. It has been shown to be effective against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Imipenem has also been shown to be effective against bacteria from the genus Burkholderia. Resistance to imipenem is conferred through the loss of the OprD porin protein.

Meropenem is a carbapenem β-lactam antibiotic. It targets gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and displays high resistance to β-lactamase and kidney dehydropeptidase I activity. It is especially effective against bacteria responsible for causing meningitis and exhibits low toxicity when compared to similar antibiotics.