What is Cefepime?
Cefepime (SEF) is a low-sporin antibiotic. Cefepime is an injection used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including those that are severe or potentially life-threatening. Cefepime can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cefepime
If you experience signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or throat or severe reactions on skin (fevers, reddening of skin etc), seek medical assistance immediately. Sore throat with burning eyes, burning skin, or blistering skin), seek emergency medical attention.
Cefepime can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- Confusion, hallucinations;
- Having difficulty understanding or speaking to others;
- Seizure (blackout, convulsions, or seizures);
- Pale skin, easy bruising, and unusual bleeding
- Dark-coloured urine jaundice
Cefepime can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Rash;
- Abnormal blood tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting side effects is needed.
Warnings
Cefepime should not be used if you have an allergy to cefepime or any other cephalosporin (cefdinir or cefalexin), penicillin antibiotics, or amoxicillin or ampicillin (Aumentin or Augmentin).
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to cefepime or any other cephalosporin (cefdinir or cefalexin), penicillin antibiotics, or amoxicillin or ampicillin (Aumentin or Augmentin).
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- An allergic reaction to antibiotics
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Colitis is one example of an intestinal disorder.
- If you are malnourished.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take Cefepime?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medicine and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. Cefepime can be infused into a vein. You can learn how to use the medication properly by yourself from a healthcare provider. Please read and follow all directions that accompany your medication carefully, if there are any that you do not comprehend please seek assistance from either your pharmacist or physician for clarification. If in any doubt please ask. Cefepime may need to be mixed with a liquid before use. Only use the diluent that your doctor recommends.
You will have to use your medicine within a few hours or days after mixing it. The diluent you use and the way you store your mixture (at room or refrigerator temperature) will determine how long it takes to mix. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. Cefepime should be administered slowly. The infusion may take up to 30 minutes. Cefepime can become darker when you mix it with a diluting agent. Do not use the medication if it is cloudy or contains particles. Contact your pharmacist to get a new batch. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get infections resistant to medications if you skip doses. Cefepime does not treat viral infections such as influenza and the common cold. Cefepime can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of cefepime. Cefepime, unmixed, should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhoea medication.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Another injected antibiotic
- A diuretic, or "water pill."
This list is incomplete. Cefepime may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
