Cefepime
About Cefepime
Cefepime belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called cephalosporins used to treat respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, skin, intraabdominal, gynaecological, bacterial meningitis (infection of brain and spinal cord) in children, and infection of the bloodstream. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body.
Cefepime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Cefepime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
In some cases, Cefepime may cause common side-effects such as diarrhoea, rashes, anaemia, pain and inflammation at the site of injection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefepime may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Cefepime is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor; the dose and duration may vary depending on the child’s weight and the severity of the infection. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Cefepime
Medicinal Benefits
Cefepime belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cefepime is used to treat respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, skin, intraabdominal, gynaecological, bacterial meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) in children, and infection of the bloodstream. Cefepime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cefepime prevents the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefepime
- Diarrhoea
- Rashes
- Anaemia
- Pain and inflammation at the site of injection
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cefepime if you are allergic to any of the components. Talk to your doctor if you have/had intestinal problems, malnourishment, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefepime may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Consult a doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefepime may interact with a diuretic (furosemide) and anticoagulant (coumarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizures, kidney or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Cefepime. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionCefepime belongs to pregnancy category B. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe Cefepime only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefepime may pass into breastmilk. Cefepime should be used with great care in breastfeeding women if prescribed by the doctor.
Driving
cautionCefepime may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
safe if prescribedCefepime is safe for children above 2 months if prescribed by a doctor. The dose and duration may vary depending on the child’s weight. The safety and effectiveness of Cefepime in children below 2 months have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- Cefepime may produce a false-positive result for urine glucose and Coombs test. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefepime.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefepime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Cefepime. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you have severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Cefepime may cause thrush or candidiasis, a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent fungal infections.
It is recommended to complete the course of Cefepime even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Cefepime may cause increased coagulation time (increased thromboplastin/ prothrombin time) which is the time required for the blood to clot. Therefore, be cautious while using any sharp objects and consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Cefepime might increase the effect of coumarin (anticoagulant medicine), therefore, consult a doctor before taking them together.
