Cefepime (Cefepime)
Overview of Cefepime
Cefepime is a fourth generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporic acid and are closely related to penicillins in structure. Cephalosporins have a six membered sulfur containing ring adjoining a ß lactam ring. Cefepime is effective in a large variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract, ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Cefepime Hcl is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Cefepime
Cefepime is primarily indicated in conditions like Neutropenia, Pneumonia, Pyelonephritis, Skin infections, Urinary tract infection.
Contraindication of Cefepime
Cefepime is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to any component of product.
Side Effects of Cefepime
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cefepime, which give rise to further complications include Pseudomembranous colitis, Hemolytic anemia, Bone marrow depression, Cholestasis, Hemorrhage, Hypoprothorombinemia.,Cefepime produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Seizures, Encephalopathy. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Cefepime therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cefepime are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Vomiting, Abdominal cramps, Renal failure, Oral candidiasis.
Precautions of Cefepime
Cefepime should be used with caution in patients with history of allergies, especially to penicillin, cephalosporins or any antibiotics, history of kidney disease, liver disease, seizure or colitis. It should be used with caution in the elderly patients, as kidney function is generally poor. It should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation.