Cefepime
Introduction To Cefepime
Cefepime is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat severe bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, stomach, urinary tract, and blood. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these problems. However, it will not treat a viral infection.
Cefepime is commonly used to treat critically ill patients admitted to the hospital. This medicine is given by drip or by direct injection into a vein under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse. The dose will depend on what type of infection you have, where it is in the body, and how serious it is. You should keep taking the injection for as long as you are prescribed, even if your symptoms quickly improve. If you stop taking it too early the infection may return or worsen.
Some people may develop side effects like rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, diarrhea, or local redness and swelling at the site of injection. These side effects are usually temporary and go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.
Before starting treatment with this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems or if you are allergic to any antibiotic. While using it, your doctor may advise blood tests to monitor your kidney function. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by your doctor.
Uses of Cefepime
- Treatment of Severe bacterial infections
Benefits of Cefepime
Treatment of Severe bacterial infections
Cefepime works by killing bacteria which can cause serious infections. It is
used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as infections
of the lungs (pneumonia) and urinary tract. It is given by a doctor or nurse
into a vein and should not be self-administered. Cefepime usually makes you
feel better very quickly but you should continue taking it as prescribed even
when you feel better to make sure that all bacteria are killed and do not
become resistant.
Side effects of Cefepime
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Desipime
- Rash
- Itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Cefepime
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Cefepime works
Cefepime is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Quick tips
-
Your doctor has prescribed Cefepime to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
-
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
-
Discontinue Cefepime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
-
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Cefepime if I’m pregnant?
Cefepime is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Cefepime if I’m breastfeeding?
Cefepime is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Avoid prolonged use of Cefepime, since it may have possible effects such as rash and diarrhea.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Cefepime safe?
Consuming alcohol with Cefepime does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Cefepime?
It is not known whether Cefepime alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Cefepime if I have/had kidney diseases?
Cefepime should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cefepime may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Cefepime if I have/had liver diseases?
Cefepime is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cefepime may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does Cefepime takes to work?
Usually, Cefepime starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.
Q. Can the use of Cefepime cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Cefepime can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.
Q. What if I don't get better after using Cefepime?
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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