Synergic activity of imipenem/cilastatin combined with cefotiam against methiclillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The synergic activity of imipenem/cilastatin combined with cefotiam was studied in a mouse bacteraemia model. Combinations of imipenem plus cefotiam in ratios from 1:5 to 1:160 were more effective than either imipenem alone or cefotiam alone (P<0.05). Synergy was observed against both β-lactamase producing and β-lactamase non-producing MRSA. Staggered combinations of imipenem with cefotiam (each drug was administered at a different time) were studied in an in-vitro pharmacokinetic system to clarify relationships between killing kinetics and pharmacodynamics of the combinations