cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
How it is given
By intravenous injection or infusion, or intramuscular injection, after reconstitution
Important safety factor
Kidney function affects clearance and the risk of neurological toxicity
What is cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed for infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including:
Lower respiratory tract infections, including hospital-acquired or community-acquired pneumonia and bacterial complications of bronchitis
Uncomplicated or complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis
Skin and subcutaneous-tissue infections
Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis and biliary-tract infections
Gynaecological infections
Bacterial meningitis in infants and children
Suspected bacterial infection in patients with febrile neutropenia, used with other antibacterial agents
Bacteraemia associated with, or suspected to be associated with, these infections
How does cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate work?
Cefepime binds to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts cell-wall construction, causing susceptible bacteria to die. Resistance may arise through beta-lactamases, altered targets, reduced entry or efflux pumps.
cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1 g, 2 g
How to take cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate
A healthcare professional prepares the powder and administers it into a vein or muscle. The intravenous route is preferred for severe or life-threatening infection. Correctly prepared solution may appear yellow to yellow-brown; it must not be used if particles are visible.
It is not taken by mouth, so food does not affect administration.
The vial is for single use and any remainder should be discarded.
Tell the clinical team about kidney problems and previous serious reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics.
cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Inflammation, pain or reaction at the injection or infusion site
- Anaemia or eosinophilia detected on blood testing
- Temporary changes in liver blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including angioedema or anaphylaxis
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
- Severe antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or colitis
- Confusion, hallucinations, reduced consciousness, muscle jerking or seizures
- Kidney failure or kidney injury
- Severe blood-cell disorders
cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate in pregnancy
Specific pregnancy information is limited, so cautious prescribing is advised. Wider evidence for cephalosporins is generally reassuring. The prescriber should weigh the expected benefit of treating the infection against remaining uncertainty.
cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate while breastfeeding
Cefepime passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Use while breastfeeding requires clinical assessment and caution; the infant may be observed for diarrhoea or oral thrush.
cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate interactions
The clinical team should review all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products before cefepime is given.
Aminoglycosides
Combined use may increase concern about kidney toxicity, so renal function should be monitored.
Potent diuretics
These may add to kidney risk, making renal-function monitoring important.
Coumarin anticoagulants
Cephalosporins may enhance their anticoagulant effect.
Bacteriostatic antibiotics
They may interfere with the antibacterial action of beta-lactams.
Common questions about cefepime dihydrochloride monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of antibiotic is it?
It is a fourth-generation cephalosporin beta-lactam antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria by disrupting cell-wall formation.
Is it given by mouth?
No. The selected product is a powder prepared for intravenous injection or infusion, or intramuscular injection.
Why is kidney function important?
Cefepime is cleared mainly by the kidneys. Reduced clearance can cause accumulation and increase the risk of confusion, muscle jerking, seizures or reduced consciousness.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.