Vaborbactam is primarily used in combination with meropenem, a carbapenem antibiotic, to enhance its effectiveness against certain types of bacterial infections. It functions as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, preventing the breakdown of meropenem by bacterial enzymes, thereby extending its antibacterial activity. This combination is particularly effective in treating complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) and pyelonephritis caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, such as certain strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Its application is crucial in scenarios where standard antibiotics are ineffective due to resistance mechanisms, providing a valuable option for managing severe infections.