Cefepime is a drug used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as organ infections in the stomach, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, or urinary tract infections.
Cefepime belongs to the class IV cephalosporin antibiotics. This drug works by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls. That way, the bacteria cannot survive and the infection can be overcome.
In addition, cefepime is also used to treat fever in patients suffering from neutropenia, which is a low number of one type of white blood cell. This drug is available in injectable form and can only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
cefepime trademark: Cefepime HCL Monohydrate, Daryacef, Exepime, Fourcef, Interpim, Locepime, Maxicef, Procepim, Zepe
What is Cefepime
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Cephalosporin antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treating bacterial infection or fever in neutropenic patients |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Cefepime for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefepime can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Cefepime
There are several things you should pay attention to before using cefepime, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Cefepime should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug, to penicillins, or to other cephalosporin drugs, such as cefpirome.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, malnutrition, or a disease of the digestive tract, such as colitis.
- Tell your doctor if you are on regular dialysis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with live vaccines, while taking cefepime, as this medicine can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking cefepime before undergoing certain laboratory tests or medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- Report to your doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using cefepime.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cefepime
Cefepime will be injected through a vein (intravenous/IV) or through a muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The dose of cefepime given depends on the condition to be treated and the age of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Purpose: Overcoming bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, or in the organs in the stomach
- Mature:000–2,000 mg per day divided into 2 doses. The injection is done slowly for 30 minutes. The dose can be increased up to 4,000 mg, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Children: 100–150 mg/kgBW per day divided into 2–3 doses.
Purpose: Overcoming fever in neutropenia
- Mature:000 mg per day divided into 3 doses. The injection is done slowly for 30 minutes.
How to Use Cefepime Correctly
Cefepime will be injected directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Injections are made into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM) or into a vein (intravenous/IV) slowly over 30 minutes.
Follow the schedule of injections of drugs given by the doctor. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first. Follow all the recommendations and advice given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with cefepime so that the effectiveness of the treatment is maximized.
Interactions of Cefepime with Other Drugs
Cefepime can cause drug interactions when used together with other drugs. Some of the drug interactions that can occur are:
- Increased risk of kidney damage or ear damage if used with aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with diuretic drugs, such as furosemide
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as cholera or typhoid vaccines
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulants, such as warfarin or dicumarol
Cefepime Side Effects and Dangers
Tell your doctor or medical officer if the following side effects do not subside or get worse:
- Diarrhea
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
In addition, report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising or pale skin
- Seizures or unusual tiredness and weakness
- Dark urine, jaundice, severe nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations, confusion, or disturbing mood
Although rare, the use of cefepime can sometimes increase the risk of infection Clostridium difficile, which can be characterized by the appearance of complaints in the form of diarrhea that does not go away, severe abdominal pain or cramps, or blood and mucus appear in the stool. You should also go to the doctor immediately if you experience these complaints.
