| drug | Cefepime |
| name | Cefepime |
| classification | Cephalosporin antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Well absorbed after intramuscular or intravenous administration. Oral bioavailability is poor. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including the lungs and CSF (with variable penetration). | | metabolism | Metabolized by the liver to inactive metabolites. | | excretion | Excreted primarily by the kidneys as active drug and metabolites. |
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| suggested dosage | | adult male 25 70kg | | intravenous | 500mg-4g every 8-12 hours | | intramuscular | 500mg-4g every 8-12 hours |
| | notes | Dosage should be adjusted based on the severity of the infection and patient's renal function. Always consult a physician or pharmacist. |
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| indications | | 1 | Treatment of serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and intra-abdominal infections. | | 2 | Prophylaxis of surgical infections | | 3 | Treatment of meningitis (in combination with other antibiotics) |
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| safety pregnancy | Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Limited data is available regarding the use of cefepime during pregnancy. |
| safety breastfeeding | Small amounts of cefepime are excreted in breast milk. Consider the benefit of treatment against the potential risk to the infant. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Abdominal pain | | 5 | Headache | | 6 | Rash | | 7 | Pruritus | | 8 | Superinfection (e.g., candidiasis, Clostridium difficile colitis) | | 9 | Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) | | 10 | Blood dyscrasias | | 11 | Seizures (especially in patients with renal impairment) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or other penicillins | | 2 | Known history of severe allergic reactions to other drugs |
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| interactions | | 1 | Alcohol (may potentiate CNS effects) | | 2 | Other nephrotoxic drugs (can increase risk of kidney damage) | | 3 | Warfarin (possible increase in bleeding risk) | | 4 | Oral anticoagulants (possible increase in bleeding risk) |
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| warnings precautions | | 1 | Monitor kidney function closely, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney problems | | 2 | Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions | | 3 | Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or neurological disorders | | 4 | Monitor for signs of superinfection | | 5 | Dosage adjustments are needed in patients with impaired renal function |
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| additional informations | | 1 | Cefepime is available in IV and IM forms. | | 2 | Administer via the prescribed route. Do not administer orally. | | 3 | Always use proper technique to prevent extravasation or nerve injury during IM injection. |
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| patient specific notes | A 25-year-old male weighing 70kg should receive a dosage of 500mg-4g every 8-12 hours intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the severity of the infection and renal function. It is crucial to consult a physician for appropriate dosage adjustments, as individual patient needs may vary. |
