Cefepime

Drug #843

Cefepime is a fourth generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporic acid and are closely related to penicillins in structure. Cephalosporins have a six membered sulfur containing ring adjoining a ß lactam ring. Cefepime is effective in a large variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract, ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Cefepime (HCl) is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.

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Primary Characteristics

Cefepime is also known as Cefepime (HCl).

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Cepheme Carboxylate.

It belongs to Peptidoglycan synthesis inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotic, Cephalosporin-4th Gen pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 571.5 · Solubility in Water: null · Solubility in Alcohol: null · Non-proprietary name: Cefepime (HCl).

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Cefepime has a volume of distribution is 0.26l/kg. plasma protein binding is 20%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 2 hr, renal excretion is 85%.

Indications

Cefepime is primarily indicated in conditions like Neutropenia, Pneumonia, Pyelonephritis, Skin infections, Urinary tract infection.

Contraindications

Cefepime is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Dosage

Cefepime's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1500 mg	1500 mg	Every 12h	IV/IM
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—	—	Not Recommended in this Age Group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—	—	Not Recommended in this Age Group

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Cefepime in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Bone marrow depression , Cholestasis , Hemorrhage, Hypoprothorombinemia, Hemolytic anemia , Pseudomembranous colitis .

Cefepime produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Seizures , Encephalopathy . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Cefepime is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal cramps, Oral candidiasis, Renal failure, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Cefepime should be used with caution in patients with history of allergies, especially to penicillin, cephalosporins or any antibiotics, history of kidney disease, liver disease, seizure or colitis. It should be used with caution in the elderly patients, as kidney function is generally poor. It should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation.

Interference in Pathology

Cefepime may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve Direct Coombs Test , False +ve Urinary Glucose Test (Clinitest) .

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Inhaler

1 g 500 mg

Inj

1 g 1 gm 2 g 250 mg 500 mg

Inj IM/IV

1 g 500 mg

Storage Conditions

Cefepime should be stored Dry Powder for Inj. Inj (reconstituted Soln) .

Drug Classification

1.6.2.1.3 — Cephalosporins