Cefepime Uses, Side Effects, and Price in Pakistan

Cefepime injection is used to treat Bacterial infections affecting different regions of the body. It is a member of the group of drugs known as ‘Cephalosporin’ antibiotics. It eliminates bacteria or stops their growth. We will discuss Cefepime uses, side effects, and price in Pakistan in this article.

About Cefepime

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. In comparison to third-generation drugs, cefepime exhibits a wider spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Cefepime injection is used to fight bacterial infections that can occur in different parts of the body. It belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics.

This medicine functions by killing the bacteria and then preventing their growth. According to the doctors, this medicine is not effective for treating flu, colds, and other viral infections.

Some other essential details about this medicine are given below;

Marketed by:

• BARRETT HODGSON PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD

Drug Class

• Cephalosporin Antibiotic

Salt

• Cefepime

Product Form

• Injection

Pack Size

• 1 Vial

What is the Price of Cefepime in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, Cefepime costs between 200-300 rupees in 2022. It is available both online and at pharmacies.

What are the Uses of Cefepime?

Following are the uses of Cefepime according to the studies;

• It works by eradicating bacteria or stopping their growth
• It treats bacterial illnesses in many different regions of the body

What are the Side Effects of Cefepime?

According to experts, common side effects of cefepime include;

• Abdominal or stomach cramps
• Convulsions
• Bleeding gums, nosebleeds
• Back, leg, or stomach pains
• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Fever, chills
• Difficulty with breathing
• Generalized body swelling
• Irregular heartbeats
• Headache
• Mood or mental changes
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• Tremor
• Numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

Who should not use Cefepime?

Patients who are allergic to cephalosporins or those who have experienced an anaphylactic shock from penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics are among those who should not take them.

What are some other details about Cefepime?

The following list of vital information about Cefepime includes:

Storage

When prepared as instructed, Cefepime for Injection is stable for 24 hours at regulated room temperature (68°F to 77°F) or for 7 days in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) with the following diluents:

• 5% Dextrose Injection
• Sterile Water for Injection
• 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection Sterile

Dosage

Infusion solution

• 1g/50mL
• 2g/100mL

Powder for injection

• 1g
• 2g

Proper Use of Cefepime

Cefepime injection is available as a premixed medication that must be injected intravenously (into a vein) over a 30-minute period or as a powder that must be mixed with fluids.

You can also administer Cefepime injection intramuscularly (into a muscle). For 7 to 10 days, it is typically administered every 8 or 12 hours. 

Drug Interactions of Cefepime

The drug interactions of Cefepime include:

• Cholera vaccine
• BCG vaccine live
• Typhoid vaccine live
• Amifampridine
• Dienogest/estradiol valerate
• Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens

Substitutes of Cefepime

Here is the drug list that can be used in place of Cefepime.

• Augmentin
• Azithromycin dose pack
• Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
• Gentamicin topical
• Ciprofloxacin
• Azithromycin

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FAQs

1. How long does cefepime stay in your system?

Cefepime, like other cephalosporins, is mostly eliminated unaltered in urine; its half-life is two hours with normal renal function but can reach 13.5 hours in cases of renal impairment.

2. Can cefepime cause altered mental status?

Cefepime can pass the blood-brain barrier and bind to GABA receptors in a competitive manner at high concentrations, which increases excitement and creates a clinical picture of altered mental status and delirium.

3. Is cefepime used to treat sepsis?

Most broad-spectrum medications used to treat sepsis are effective against Gram-positive pathogens like Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcal species. This contains the antibiotics imipenem/cilastatin, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftriaxone, cefepime, and meropenem.