New 1 beta-methylcarbapenems having various (substituted) quaternary heterocyclic alkythio groups at the C-2 position were synthesized and tested for antibacterial activity and renal dipeptidase susceptibility. Compounds having the 1 beta-methyl substituent were found to possess an increased stability to the enzyme. In addition, combination of the 1 beta-methyl substituent and the C-2 quaternary heterocyclic alkylthio side chain generated compounds with excellent antipseudomonal activity and improved stability toward hydrolysis by renal dipeptidase.