cefepime hydrochloride
Cefepime Hydrochloride is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Acinetobacter Infections, Bacteroides Infections, Infectious Bone Diseases, Escherichia Coli Infections.
Cephalosporin Antibacterial · by Qilu Antibiotics
Generic of Maxipime
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Cefepime Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Cephalosporin Antibacterial
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Cefepime Hydrochloride EQ 1GM BASE/VIAL · Cefepime Hydrochloride EQ 2GM BASE/VIAL · Cefepime Hydrochloride EQ 500MG BASE/VIAL
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- Manufacturer
- Qilu Antibiotics
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$111.92 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- ANDA203704
What is Cefepime Hydrochloride?
From the FDA label:Cefepime for Injection, USP (cefepime hydrochloride, USP) is a semi-synthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial for parenteral administration. The chemical name is 1-[[(6R,7R)-7-[2-(2-amino-4-thiazolyl)-glyoxylamido]-2-carboxy-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0] oct-2-en-3-yl]methyl]-1-methylpyrrolidinium chloride,7 2 -(Z)-(O-methyloxime), monohydrochloride, monohydrate, which corresponds to the following structural formula: Cefepime hydrochloride is a white to pale yellow powder. Cefepime hydrochloride contains the equivalent of not less than 825 mcg and not more than 911 mcg of cefepime (C 19 H 24 N 6 O 5 S 2 ) per mg, calculated on an anhydrous basis. It is highly soluble in water. Cefepime for Injection, USP is supplied for intramuscular or intravenous administration in strengths equivalent to 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g of cefepime. Cefepime for Injection, USP is a sterile, dry mixture of cefepime hydrochloride and L-arginine. The L-arginine, at an approximate concentration of 707 mg/g of cefepime, is added to control the pH of the constituted solution at 4 to 6. Freshly constituted solutions of Cefepime for Injection, USP will range in color from pale yellow to amber. cefepime-structure
How to use
§ For Pseudomonas aeruginosa , use 2 g IV every 8 hours. ( 2.1 ) *Or until resolution of neutropenia. ( 2.1 ) **Intramuscular route of administration is indicated only for mild to moderate, uncomplicated or complicated UTIs due to E. coli . ( 2.1 ) Recommended Dosage in Adults with Creatinine Clearance (CrCL) Greater Than 60 mL/min ( 2.1 ) Site and Type of Infection Dose Frequency Duration (days) Moderate to Severe Pneumonia § 1-2 g IV Every 8-12 hours 10 Empiric Therapy for Febrile Neutropenic Patients 2 g IV Every 8 hours 7* Mild to Moderate Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 0.5-1 g IV/IM** Every 12 hours 7-10 Severe Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Moderate to Severe Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections § (used in combination with metronidazole) 2 g IV Every 12 hours 7-10 Pediatric Patients (2 months to 16 years) Recommended dosage in pediatric with CrCL greater than 60 mL/min. ( 2.2 ) • The usual recommended dosage in pediatric patients is 50 mg per kg per dose administered every 12 hours (every 8 hours for febrile neutropenia). ( 2.2 ) • Patients with Renal Impairment: Adjust dose in patients with CrCL less than or equal to 60 mL/min. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosage for Adults The recommended adult dosages and routes of administration are…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in the Warnings and Precautions section and below: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Neurotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] •The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) were local reactions, positive Coombs’ test, decreased phosphorous, increased ALT and AST, increased PT and PTT and rash. ( 6.1 ) •At the highest dose (2 g every 8 hours), incidence of adverse reactions was ≥1% for rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pruritis, fever, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials using multiple doses of cefepime, 4137 patients were treated with the recommended dosages of cefepime (500 mg to 2 g intravenous every 12 hours). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity. Sixty-four (1.5%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse reactions.…
Warnings
Important safety information
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to Cefepime for Injection occurs, discontinue the drug. ( 5.1 ) • Neurotoxicity: May occur especially in patients with renal impairment administered unadjusted doses. If neurotoxicity associated with Cefepime for Injection therapy occurs, discontinue the drug. ( 5.2 ) • Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Before therapy with Cefepime for Injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactams. Exercise caution if this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients because cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been clearly documented and may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to Cefepime for Injection occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate supportive measures. 5.2 Neurotoxicity Serious adverse reactions have been reported including life-threatening or fatal occurrences of the following: encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), aphasia, myoclonus, seizures, and nonconvulsive status epilepticus [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Most cases occurred in patients with renal impairment who did not receive appropriate dosage adjustment. However, some cases of neurotoxicity occurred in patients receiving a dosage adjustment appropriate for their degree of renal impairment. In the majority of cases, symptoms of neurotoxicity were reversible and resolved after discontinuation of cefepime and/or after hemodialysis. If neurotoxicity associated with cefepime therapy occurs, discontinue cefepime and institute appropriate supportive measures. 5.3 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefepime for Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. 5.4 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing Cefepime for Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. As with other antimicrobials, prolonged use of Cefepime for Injection may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential. Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken. 5.5 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Urinary Glucose The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when using some methods (e.g. Clinitest™ tablets) [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Coombs’ Tests Positive direct Coombs’ tests have been reported during treatment with Cefepime for Injection. In patients who develop hemolytic anemia, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate therapy. Positive Coombs’ test may be observed in newborns whose mothers have received cephalosporin antibacterial drugs before parturition. Prothrombin Time Many cephalosporins, including cefepime, have been associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk, and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.
Who should not take Cefepime Hydrochloride
Cefepime for Injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Patients with known immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or other cephalosporins, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Patients who receive an overdose should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. In the presence of renal insufficiency, hemodialysis, not peritoneal dialysis, is recommended to aid in the removal of cefepime from the body. Symptoms of overdose include encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), myoclonus, seizures, neuromuscular excitability and nonconvulsive status epilepticus [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) , Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Aminoglycosides: increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Monitor renal function. ( 7.2 ) • Diuretics: nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with certain methods. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions be used. 7.2 Aminoglycosides Monitor renal function if aminoglycosides are to be administered with Cefepime for Injection because of the increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs. 7.3 Diuretics Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function when cefepime is concomitantly administered with potent diuretics.
Drug class
How this class works, per Cephalosporins - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
- acinetobacter infections
- bacteroides infections
- infectious bone diseases
- escherichia coli infections
- fever
- haemophilus infections
See how Cefepime Hydrochloride ranks — best-rated cephalosporin antibacterial for:
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Cefepime Hydrochloride treat?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride (Cefepime Hydrochloride) may be used to treat acinetobacter infections, bacteroides infections, infectious bone diseases, escherichia coli infections, fever, haemophilus infections, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Cefepime Hydrochloride work?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is a cephalosporin antibacterial. Cephalosporins kill bacteria by blocking the proteins they use to build their cell walls. Without an intact wall, the bacterium cannot hold its shape and dies, which clears the infection.
- How much does Cefepime Hydrochloride cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $111.92 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Cefazolin and Dextrose — about $29.65 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Cefepime Hydrochloride?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cefepime Hydrochloride. To pay less, Cefepime Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Cefepime Hydrochloride?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is marketed by Qilu Antibiotics. You can see Qilu Antibiotics's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Cefepime Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Cefepime Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Cefepime Hydrochloride available over the counter?
- No. Cefepime Hydrochloride is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Cefepime Hydrochloride come in?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Cefepime Hydrochloride?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is classified as cephalosporin antibacterial, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Cefepime Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA203704. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Cefepime Hydrochloride safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cefepime Hydrochloride. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Cefepime Hydrochloride?
- Cefepime Hydrochloride's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in the Warnings and Precautions section and below: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Neurotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea [ see Warnings and Precautions (… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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