Antimicrobials
Cefepime

Cefepime

High
N/A

Dosing

General Information

Broad spectrum antimicrobial with gram positive and gram negative coverage including Pseudomonas.

Despite in vitro susceptibilities suggesting sensitivity, cefepime should be avoided for the management of infections suspected to be due to ESBL producing pathogens; carbapenems are preferred in this setting. 

Cefepime is relatively stable against ampC beta-lactamases and may be used to treat infections by ampC producing organisms. However, some references recommend only using cefepime to treat infections by Enterobacter cloacaeKlebsiella aerogenesCitrobacter freundii when the MIC to cefepime is ≤ 2 μg/mL. If the MIC is ≥ 4 μg/mL, meropenem is suggested.

  • Allergy (immediate & delayed)

  • Positive Coombs

  • Cytopenias

  • Non-convulsive status epilepticus

Antimicrobial class: 4th generation Cephalosporin

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 2 hours

Biliary penetration: Moderate

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic