cefepim

Cefepime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Hoechst Marion Roussel and was first marketed in 1989. Cefepime is active against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is often used in the treatment of severe infections, such as hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections.

Cefepime is administered intravenously and has a relatively long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing in many cases. It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, liver toxicity, and nephrotoxicity.

Cefepime is available in various formulations, including intravenous solutions and powders for reconstitution. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to cover a broader spectrum of bacterial resistance. The use of cefepime should be guided by the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ensure appropriate treatment of the infecting organism.