Generic name: cefepime (injection) (SEF e peem)
Brand name: Maxipime, Maxipime ADD-Vantage
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (1 g; 2 g); intravenous powder for injection (1 g; 2 g); intravenous solution (1 g/50 mL-iso-osmotic dextrose; 2 g/100 mL)
Drug class: Fourth generation cephalosporins
Cefepime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.
Cefepime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.
Cefepime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use cefepime if you are allergic to cefepime or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others), or penicillin antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, and others).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cefepime or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others), or penicillin antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
- if you are malnourished.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I use cefepime?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Cefepime is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
You may need to mix cefepime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.
After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at room temperature or in a refrigerator). When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
cefepime must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 30 minutes to complete.
Cefepime may become darker after you have mixed it with a diluent. Do not use the medicine if it has become cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefepime.
Store unmixed cefepime at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using cefepime?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
Cefepime side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- confusion, hallucinations;
- trouble speaking, reading, or understanding the words of other people;
- seizure (blackout or convulsions);
- pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or
- dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- fever;
- headache;
- itching, rash; or
- abnormal blood tests.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect cefepime?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- another injected antibiotic; or
- a diuretic or "water pill."
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect cefepime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.