Cefepime is typically administered intravenously in a health care facility by health care providers. In cases where administered for use at home, it may be administered in a health care facility or obtained through home health care service.

IV Infusion : Cefepime in sterile water or saline added and slowly infused intravenously over a period of about 30 to 60 minutes.

IM injection: If given IM, cefepime is injected into a large muscle in the thigh or buttocks.

Monitoring: The physician will monitor the patient’s condition and kidney function during the treatment to ensure proper dosing and to minimize risks.

It is important to follow all medical instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully treated and prevent resistance.

Cefepime works through interference with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This is a beta-lactam antibiotic, meaning that its chemical structure contains a beta-lactam ring. The beta-lactam ring is bound to PBPs located on the bacterial cell surface.

 This results in interference with the process of formation of the bacterial cell wall. Without the bacterial cell wall, bacteria cannot survive, as their structure cannot be maintained and they eventually die.

Because cefepime acts on the cell wall, it is also very effective in organisms relying on their cell wall for structure. The broad-spectrum activity of cefepime allows for its usage in both gram-positive and gram-negative infections, including even more resistant organisms.

It is especially active against such organisms as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Even though cefepime is quite tolerable, side effects can occur. The following are common side effects :

Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can occur, especially if given in large doses.

Allergic reaction: It can be accompanied by a rash, hives, itching, or severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Kidney toxicity: In rare instances, cefepime can cause renal impairment, particularly in patients with existing renal conditions.

Blood disorder: Cefepime may cause blood count changes, including low white blood cells or platelets, which may predispose patients to infections or bleeding.

Seizures: In patients with severe renal impairment or those receiving high doses, cefepime may cause seizures.

Renal function: Patients with impaired kidney function need careful dose adjustments to avoid drug accumulation and potential toxicity.

Allergy to cephalosporins or penicillin: If a patient has a history of severe allergies to penicillin or cephalosporins, cefepime should be used with caution, as it may trigger an allergic reaction.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI): Cefepime may cause overgrowth of Clostridium difficile in the colon, which may lead to severe diarrhea and colitis.

Severe infections and septicemia: As the drug is administered for severe infections, the administration of cefepime must be done in the hospital environment where the patient can be closely monitored.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Cefepime is classified as a pregnancy category B drug. Such drugs are considered generally safe during pregnancy when given in the appropriate dosage, provided by a doctor. They are used cautiously in breastfeeding mothers.

Cefepime interacts with other medications, changing its effectiveness or possibly increasing the risk of adverse effects. Some known drug interactions are:

Probenecid: This medication reduces the renal excretion of cefepime; thus, the levels of cefepime increase in the blood, with an increased risk of toxicity.

Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin): The concomitant use of cefepime and aminoglycosides increases the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Diuretics (furosemide): The combination of cefepime and diuretics may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Patients should inform their doctor of any other drugs they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, to prevent harmful interactions.

The dosage of cefepime will be determined by the kind of infection, the level of the patient’s renal impairment, and the severity of illness. For adult patients, standard dosages vary from 1 to 2 g every 12 h. Pediatric patients have the following dosing requirements according to weight, typically within 50 to 100 mg/kg per day.

In patients with renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted based on renal function. For patients who have severe renal dysfunction, dosing may be stretched to once every 24 hours.

Cefepime is a prescription medication and should be prescribed only by a healthcare provider for significant bacterial infections. It’s mainly given in a hospital or clinical setting because its administration is intravenous or intramuscular. It’s crucial to use cefepime only under a healthcare provider’s supervision. This person will closely monitor its effects, especially in a patient with kidney problems or other medical conditions.

Before initiating treatment with cefepime, a doctor will take into consideration the type of infection, the patient’s medical history, and any possible allergies or drug interactions before giving the prescription.

1. What is Cefepime used for?

   • Cefepime is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections, particularly those caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.

2. How is Cefepime administered?

   • Cefepime is administered through injection, typically given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly by a healthcare professional.

3. What is the usual dosage of Cefepime for adults?

   • The usual dosage for adults varies by infection type but generally ranges from 1 to 2 grams every 8 to 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.

4. Can children receive Cefepime?

   • Yes, Cefepime can be used in children, but dosages are determined based on the child’s weight and the specific infection being treated.

5. What are the common side effects of Cefepime?

   • Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, and injection site reactions like pain or swelling.

6. Are there any severe side effects associated with Cefepime?

   • Severe side effects can include allergic reactions, seizures, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can be life-threatening.

7. Can Cefepime be used in patients with kidney problems?

   • Yes, but dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with kidney impairment. Monitoring renal function is important during treatment.

8. Is Cefepime safe to use during pregnancy?

   • Cefepime is classified as a Category B drug, meaning it is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used if needed and after consulting a healthcare provider.

9. Can Cefepime interact with other medications?

   • Yes, Cefepime can interact with other medications, such as aminoglycosides and certain diuretics, potentially increasing the risk of kidney damage.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose of Cefepime?

    • If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as remembered. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule.

11. How long is Cefepime typically prescribed?

    • The duration of therapy depends on the infection’s severity and type but typically lasts from 7 to 14 days.

12. Can Cefepime be used to treat viral infections?

    • No, Cefepime is ineffective against viral infections such as the flu or COVID-19. It is specifically designed to treat bacterial infections.

13. Are there any lifestyle changes required during treatment with Cefepime?

    • Patients should stay adequately hydrated and report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.

14. Is it necessary to complete the full course of Cefepime even if symptoms improve?

    • Yes, it’s crucial to complete the full course of Cefepime to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

15. What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Cefepime?

    • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.

16. Is there a specific storage requirement for Cefepime?

    • Cefepime should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from light. Once reconstituted, it should be used promptly or stored in the refrigerator for a limited time.

17. Can Cefepime be given to patients with a history of penicillin allergy?

    • Caution is advised. While Cefepime is a cephalosporin and has a lower risk of cross-reactivity, a healthcare provider should assess the risks before prescribing.

18. How does Cefepime work against bacteria?

    • Cefepime works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to form cell walls, ultimately leading to cell rupture and death.

19. Will Cefepime affect my lab test results?

    • Cefepime may affect certain laboratory tests, such as urine glucose tests. Inform your healthcare provider about your medication use before tests.

20. Where can I find more information about Cefepime?

    • Additional information on Cefepime can be found through reliable medical websites, your healthcare provider, or the medication’s prescribing leaflet.