Cefepime: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Medicine Cefepime?

What is Cefepime for?

Cefepime is an antibiotic drug commonly used in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. Cefepime is a drug that can be used either before or after certain surgeries to prevent infection. This drug belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporin which works to stop the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as Cefepime will not affect viral infections such as fever and influenza. Taking unnecessary antibiotics puts you at risk of making your body more susceptible to infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment in the future.

How do you use Cefepime?

Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefepime is a drug that is injected into a vein or muscle. The doctor will determine the right dose for your treatment according to your health condition and response to the treatment process.

If you are going to treat yourself at home using this medication, learn all the instructions you can get from a medical professional. Always check product suitability before starting to use. If there are suspicious particles or discoloration, do not continue using it and throw away the drug immediately.

Antibiotics work best when the levels of medicines in your body are in a stable condition. It is advisable to take this drug in a balanced period of time.

How do I save Cefepime?

Cefepime is a medicine that can be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cefepime dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cefepime for adults?

• The usual dose for adults with Bracteremia can be used as much as 2 grams IV (infusion) every 8 hours.
• The usual dose for adults with Febrile Neutropenia is 2 g IV every 8 hours for 7 days or until the neutrophil cell (white blood) levels return to normal.
• The usual dose for adults with complicated intra-abdominal infection (used with metronidazole) is 2 g IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days.
• The usual dose for adults with Nosocomial Pneumonia is 1-2 grams of IV every 8-12 hours.

It is advisable to undergo initial empiric treatment using broad-spectrum coverage according to a hospital and / or ICU antibiogram if multidrug-resistant organisms are known.

• The usual dose for adults with pneumonia is 1-2 grams IV every 12 hours for 10 days
• The usual dose for adults with pyelonephritis is 2 g IV every 12 hours for 10 days
• The usual dose for adults with skin or soft tissue infections is 2 g IV every 12 hours for 10 days
• The usual dose for adults with mild to moderate urinary tract infections with complications or non-complications is 0.5 - 1 g IV or IM every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days.

The use of IM is considered more suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate urinary tract infections, both complicating and non-complicating, caused by E. coli.

What is the dose of Cefepime for children?

• The usual dosage for children with Febrile Neutropenia

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 8 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

• The usual dosage for children with intra-abdominal infections

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

• The usual dosage for children with pneumonia

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

• The usual dosage for children with pyelonephritis

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

• The usual dosage for children with skin or soft tissue infections

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

• The usual dosage for children with Urinary Tract Infection

Age 2 months - 16 years with a body weight not exceeding 40 kg: 50 mg / kg IV every 12 hours for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition

The use of IM is considered more suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate urinary tract infections, both complicating and non-complicating, caused by E. coli. The maximum dose for pediatric patients is not allowed to exceed the recommended adult dosage

In what dosage is Cefepime available?

Cefepime is a drug that is available in the following dosages:

• Solution, intravenous: 1g / 50ml, 2g / 50ml
• Suspension, injection: 1 gram and 2 grams

Cefepime side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cefepime?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience a severe allergic reaction while using Cefepime, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.

Immediately notify the nearest medical personnel if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Confusion, hallucinations, loss of size (fainting or seizures)
• Watery and bloody diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever, chills, body aches, common cold symptoms
• Severe skin allergy — fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, dry eyes, irritated redness spreading over the face and upper body which causes the skin to blister and peel.
• Skin rash, bruising, tingling, numbness, soreness, muscle weakness;

Cefepime is a drug that can cause other side effects, including:

• Pain, swelling, skin rash at the injection site
• Nausea and vomiting, stomach pain
• Skin irritation and itching
• Headache
• White or painful patches in the mouth or lips
• Itching in the vaginal area or buttocks

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefepime Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cefepime?

Cefepime is a drug that can act with other medicines. It is not recommended to take this drug if you have had a severe allergic reaction to cefepime or other cephalosporin-type antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef).

In order to ensure that Cefepime is a safe drug for you to take, tell your doctor if you have a drug allergy (especially penicillin) or if you have:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Have had digestive disorders, such as colitis

Is Cefepime safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Cefepime Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cefepime?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Cefepime?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Cefepime?

Your health condition can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Brain disease, such as encephalopathy, acute confusion; or
• Colitis, or have had; or
• Acute diarrhea, or have had; or
• Seizures - use them wisely. Cefepime can worsen your health condition
• Kidney disease - use it wisely. It is necessary to reduce the dose because cefepime will increase the risk of seizures

Cefepime overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of overdose include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.