Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests pharmacodynamic principles of antibiotics (time-dependent vs. concentration-dependent) and mechanisms of beta-lactamase resistance.
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement (I) Evaluation: Beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins) are time-dependent bactericidal agents.
Their clinical efficacy is determined by the percentage of time during the dosing interval that the free drug concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration ($T > \text{MIC}$).
Increasing the peak concentration far above the MIC does not increase their killing rate. Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
- Statement (II) Evaluation: Carbapenems (e.g., imipenem, meropenem) are a unique class of beta-lactam antibiotics.
They possess a trans-alpha-hydroxyethyl group at position 6, which provides high stability and resistance against hydrolysis by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).
Carbapenems are typically the drug of choice for treating infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria.
Therefore, they are not sensitive to ESBLs, making Statement (II) incorrect.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false. This corresponds to option (C).