Uses of Cefepime

Cefepime is used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, genital tract, skin and soft tissues, stomach, biliary tract, blood and the brain in children aged 2 months or older. It can also be used in combination with other antibiotics to treat fever among children who have low white blood cells in the body.

Therapeutic Category

Cefepime: Antibiotics (cephalosporins)

How Cefepime works

Cefepime is a powerful antibiotic with bacteriostatic properties. It kills the susceptible bacteria by blocking the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Unlike other cephalosporins, it can also remain unaffected by the toxic proteins produced by the bacteria (such as beta lactamases). As a result, it destroys the susceptible bacteria, prevents their further growth and multiplication and reduces the severity of the infection.

Common side effects of Cefepime

• injection site reactions (pain, inflammation and swelling)
• skin rash
• diarrhoea
• anemia
• delay in blood clotting time
• positive coombs test (a blood test)
• increased liver enzymes
• increase in WBC in blood

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience severe skin reactions (such as widespread skin rash, blistering, peeling or bleeding on any part of the skin with fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise or pink or reddish skin lesions on palms or soles)
• If you experience severe uncontrollable watery diarrhoea, feeling weak and fever

Health Tips for Cefepime

• Take Cefepime as prescribed by your Doctor. Follow the recommended dosage and schedule to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimize potential complications
• It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics, as it may interfere with the medication's effectiveness and cause additional side effects
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as deflazacort can interact with certain drugs
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding