Fourth-generation parenteral cephalosporin indicated for pneumonia (moderate to severe), empiric therapy of febrile neutropenic patients, intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, skin and soft-tissue infections, and septicemia.
Also known as: Cefepima, Maxipime
DailyMed approved label (Cefepime Injection, WG Critical Care; setID 5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c).
DailyMed approved label (Cefepime Injection, WG Critical Care; setID 5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c).
No documented drug–drug interactions for this medicine.
Cefepime is given intravenously or intramuscularly; food does not affect its pharmacokinetics.
May be administered regardless of meals.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefepime Injection label (WG Critical Care): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c
No relevant pharmacokinetic interaction with cefepime.
Moderate alcohol intake.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefepime Injection label (WG Critical Care): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c
Cefepime is contraindicated in patients with documented cephalosporin allergy (risk of anaphylaxis).
Confirm allergy history before administering.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefepime Injection label (WG Critical Care): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c
Cefepime is eliminated renally; renal impairment requires dose adjustment and monitoring (risk of neurotoxicity at unadjusted doses).
Adjust the dose based on renal function and monitor neurological symptoms.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefepime Injection label (WG Critical Care): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c
Data on cefepime in pregnancy are limited; use only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
Use only in severe infections with no safe alternative.
Present in breast milk in small amounts; generally compatible.
No specific contraception required.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefepime Injection label (WG Critical Care): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5fd857e5-591f-44ca-80cf-fd903660b03c
Clinical and educational support tool. The information does not replace a medical prescription or the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional.
Fourth-generation cephalosporin: efficacy correlates with time above the MIC (pharmacodynamic parameter validated in animal models). Extended spectrum including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp.
Inhibition of cell-wall synthesis by binding to PBPs; stable to hydrolysis by most chromosomal and plasmidial beta-lactamases, including many AmpC.
Exclusively parenteral administration (IV/IM); IM absorption is complete, with ~82% bioavailability after a 50 mg/kg IM dose in children.
Predominantly renal elimination: mean half-life of 2 (±0.3) h and total clearance of 120 (±8) mL/min in healthy volunteers; linear pharmacokinetics between 250 mg and 2 g, with no accumulation on repeated dosing.
Mean elimination half-life of 2 (±0.3) h; prolonged to ~13 h in patients on hemodialysis.
Medicines from the same therapeutic group (ATC classification) or the same pharmacological class.
