After many years, new broad-spectrum beta-lactam drugs have become available for clinical use. Meropenem, unlike imipenem, can be administered as a single agent, is useful in the treatment of meningitis and is better tolerated, Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin, is effective against ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli such as Pseudomonas and Enterobacter, Both drugs have advantages over existing compounds, and are expected to be used in a restricted fashion in the hospital environment.