Cefepime
Cefpirome
Trade Name
Maxipime
Bacirom, Cef-4, Cefir, Morcef, Romicef
Classification
Fourth-generation Cephalosporin, semi-synthetic, broad spectrum, cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration.
Fourth-generation cephalosporin
Mechanism of Acton
Bactericidal: inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall, causing cell death. It is the best beta-lactam for IM administration; has poor capacity to cross blood-brain barrier and thus is not used for treatment of meningitis
Cephalosporins exert bactericidal activity by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis and inhibiting cross-linking of the peptidoglycan. The cephalosporins are also thought to play a role in the activation of bacterial cell autolysins which may contribute to bacterial cell lysis
Onset/peak
Onset /Peak IV, 0.5-1.5 hr.; IM, 1-2 hr.
Onset/Peak IV 30 min.-1 hour
Duration
10-12 Hrs.
Up to 12 hours
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in liver/Excreted in Urine (85% as unchanged drug)
Metabolized in liver excreted in kidney
Half-life
2 hr.
2-2.3 hours
Side effects/ Adverse Effects
Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, hives, sore mouth or throat, confusion, changes in thinking or behavior, not responding nephrotoxicity,
Rash, itching and hives, Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Anaphylaxis
Dosing
1-2 g IV q8-12hr for 7-10 days can be up to 21 days
Adult: IV- The recommended dose is 1-2 g 12 hourly.
Nursing Considerations
Contraindications: allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins; renal failure; lactation
Caution should be exercised in patients with history of allergy to penicillin or to cephalosporin, kidney impairment, during pregnancy and lactation. Monitor kidney function, blood counts regularly while taking this medication
Patient Teaching
Take all of this med Do not use alcohol while on this drug and for 3 d after drug has been