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Кефсепим

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Кефсепим

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Кефсепим

Что Такое Кефсепим?

Свойство (Property) Описание (Description)
Активный ингредиент (Active ingredient) Cefepime
Форма выпуска (Form) Стерильный сухой порошок для раствора (Sterile dry powder for solution)
Фармакологический класс (Pharmacological class) Антибиотик, цефалоспорин четвертого поколения (Antibiotic, Fourth-Generation Cephalosporin)
Общее назначение (General purpose) Уничтожение чувствительных бактерий (Destruction of susceptible bacteria)
Происхождение (Origin) Полусинтетическое (Semi-synthetic)

Классификация: Цефалоспорин Четвертого Поколения

Кефсепим is a potent, semi-synthetic antibiotic containing the active compound Cefepime, primarily formulated as Cefepime hydrochloride. It is classified as a β-lactam antibiotic, recognized in clinical practice as a fourth-generation cephalosporin. This advanced designation is based on the drug's specialized molecular architecture, which confers enhanced stability against a broad range of β-lactamases—enzymes produced by some bacteria to resist older treatments. This makes Cefepime an agent of choice in situations where microbial resistance is a concern.

Общее Назначение, Состав и Форма

The primary purpose of Кефсепим is to eliminate systemic infections by exerting a definitive bactericidal mechanism, meaning it actively destroys bacteria by disrupting their ability to construct their vital cell wall synthesis. Cefepime (the INN) is also marketed under brands such as Maxipime, offering the same core formulation. As a single-ingredient product, it is supplied as a sterile dry powder for solution for injection, consisting of Cefepime hydrochloride and the excipient L-arginine. This medicine is administered via the parenteral route (intravenously or intramuscularly), which is used for treating conditions such as severe pneumonia or complicated infections in pediatric patients. This method of administration ensures the broad-spectrum antibiotic reaches the necessary therapeutic levels to target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative susceptible pathogens effectively.

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What side effects are possible with Кефсепим?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Кефсепим (Cefepime) is officially documented by regulatory authorities, categorizing adverse reactions by frequency and the body system affected. The most frequently listed adverse reactions (classified as Common in regulatory documents, occurring in 1% or more of patients) include diarrhoea, rash, elevations in liver enzymes (ALT/AST), and a positive Coombs' test.

System-Organ Classifications and Serious Reactions

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by the system affected, such as Gastrointestinal Disorders, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, and Nervous System Disorders. The official labels highlight the risk of serious but rare events.

Classification Examples of Officially Documented Adverse Reactions
Common Diarrhoea, Rash, Positive Coombs' test, Increased ALT/AST
Uncommon Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Fever
Serious (Rare) Seizures, Encephalopathy, Anaphylaxis, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Cefepime is officially contraindicated in individuals with a history of an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction to Cefepime, any other cephalosporin, or any other beta-lactam antibiotic. A critical safety constraint is noted for patients with renal impairment and older adults. These groups have a documented increased risk for serious neurological adverse reactions (including encephalopathy and coma) if the dosage is not managed according to official prescribing information. Furthermore, severe gastrointestinal issues like Clostridioides difficile-associated Diarrhea (CDAD) may occur during or after treatment.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose involving Cefepime, the active ingredient in Кефсепим, is officially documented as primarily affecting the central nervous system, resulting in neurotoxicity. The regulatory labeling specifies that severe overdose may lead to serious clinical manifestations, including encephalopathy (such as confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), seizures, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, myoclonus, and aphasia. These outcomes have been categorized in official documents as potentially life-threatening or fatal in certain reported instances.

Official regulatory documents mandate specific actions when an overdose is suspected or neurotoxicity is observed. Patients or caregivers must seek medical attention right away upon noticing symptoms such as altered mental status or decreased responsiveness. The regulatory instruction is to discontinue the antibiotic immediately if neurotoxicity occurs.

A primary risk factor officially noted in the labeling is the presence of renal impairment (reduced kidney function) where the drug dose has not been appropriately adjusted. The documentation confirms that the majority of serious overdose events occur in this population due to the accumulation of Cefepime.

As a supportive measure, hemodialysis is an officially described procedure that can effectively remove the drug from the bloodstream, leading to the resolution of these neurological symptoms in most documented cases.

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Therapeutic Uses of Кефсепим

Основные Области Применения и Терапевтическая Польза Кефсепима (Cefepime)

Кефсепим (Cefepime) is commonly used to help manage a variety of serious bacterial infections. It is generally applied in contexts where a broad-spectrum response is considered relevant to address significant physiological strain caused by the pathogen. This antibiotic is used for managing conditions presenting with acute or disruptive episodes, including pneumonia (moderate to severe), complicated infections of the abdomen, complicated urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis), and certain skin and soft tissue infections.

Клинические Контексты и Ожидаемая Поддержка

Кефсепим is commonly used to help with empiric treatment for febrile neutropenia (fever in immunocompromised patients), an application in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. In such scenarios, its use may be part of a strategy to address the pathogen, when necessary to ease symptoms related to organ-specific functional stress. Its application during these acute episodes may assist with managing the infectious process, thereby contributes to easing the overall symptom load and assists with maintaining functional stability.

“Applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed against pathogens that create noticeable physiological strain.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Systemic Discomfort

Кефсепим helps cope with symptoms related to systemic imbalance, such as persistent fever and generalized toxicity, which are common in severe, complicated infections.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Cefepime Use: Official Regulatory Information

Cefepime (Кефсепим) is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients two months of age and older. Regulatory authorities define specific groups who must not use the medicine and populations for whom use is conditional.

Classification Population Restriction Basis for Restriction
Contraindicated Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to Cefepime, any cephalosporin, or other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins). Absolute non-eligibility due to risk of severe allergic reaction.
Conditional Use Patients with impaired renal function (Creatinine Clearance le 60 mL/min), including those on dialysis. Conditional use is required; the dose must be formally adjusted to compensate for the slower rate of drug elimination via the kidneys.
Not Recommended Infants less than two months of age. Safety and efficacy in this age group are officially not established.

Special Population Status:

  • Older Adults are permitted to use Cefepime, but their renal function must be carefully monitored and adjusted if necessary, as renal clearance may be decreased with age.
  • Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women is generally restricted to situations where the medicine is deemed clearly needed, as it is known to be excreted in human milk at low concentrations.
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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define the interaction profile of Cefepime based on two primary categories: effects on drug exposure and risks of additive toxicity. These interactions are documented by government authorities such as the FDA and EMA.

Documented Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interacting Substance/Class Official Regulatory Description Interaction Classification
Probenecid Significantly reduces the renal clearance of Cefepime, resulting in higher and more prolonged plasma concentrations (increased exposure, AUC Cefepime). Pharmacokinetic: Transporter-mediated
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics Co-administration is associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and/or ototoxicity (ear damage). Pharmacodynamic: Additive toxicity
Potent Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) Concurrent use is associated with a potential increased risk of nephrotoxicity. Pharmacodynamic: Additive toxicity

Constraints and Laboratory Test Interference

The product label contains no documented interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products. Furthermore, no mandatory timing separation rules are explicitly documented for Cefepime co-administration. Administration of Cefepime may cause a positive Direct Coombs' Test result and can lead to a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when utilizing copper reduction methods.

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Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Cefepime, the active compound in Кефсепим, is defined by three key, targeted biological processes that result in the lysis of susceptible bacterial cells.

Irreversible Blockade of Bacterial Structural Synthesis

The core mechanism involves the covalent inhibition of bacterial enzymes called Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are essential for building the cell wall. By binding irreversibly to these enzymes, the medicine stops the final, critical step of peptidoglycan cross-linking. This direct mechanical interference results in a structural failure of the bacterial envelope and subsequent cell rupture (lysis), which is the resulting bactericidal action.

Molecular Evasion of Enzymatic Resistance

This mechanistic domain concerns the molecule’s enhanced stability against degradation. The Cefepime structure is designed to resist the destructive action of many bacterial beta-Lactamases (such as AmpC and ESBLs). This stability ensures that the molecule remains active and available to reach its PBP targets inside the bacterial cell, allowing its mechanism to function against organisms that produce specific beta-Lactamase enzymes.

Dual-System Activity and Functional Limits

The drug's structure also enables rapid penetration through the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, facilitating swift access to the PBPs. While primarily peripheral, the drug can also interact with host systems, acting as an antagonist at GABA A receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). This secondary interaction is a concentration-dependent functional limitation that results in the antagonism of inhibitory GABA A receptor signaling.

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Dosage and Administration Information

Cefepime is administered via the parenteral route, primarily as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The medicine is supplied as a sterile dry powder that must first be reconstituted and then further diluted for infusion, which is typically delivered slowly over approximately 30 minutes in a controlled setting. Intramuscular (IM) injection is an approved administration option, but its use is generally reserved for treating mild to moderate infections, such as certain urinary tract infections.

Standard adult dosing regimens range from 0.5 g to 2 g per administration, and the final dose is determined by the severity and type of infection. The official frequency is established at fixed intervals, most commonly every 12 hours (q12h) for moderate-to-severe conditions, or every 8 hours (q8h) for aggressive or empirical therapy, with a maximum dose of 2 g every 8 hours. The total official duration of a treatment course typically ranges from 7 to 10 days.

A key procedural constraint is the mandatory adjustment of the dose or the extension of the dosing interval if renal function is impaired (Creatinine Clearance le 60 mL/min). This ensures administration aligns with the patient's physiological status. For pediatric patients (2 months to 16 years), dosing follows a weight-based protocol, often using 50 mg/kg per dose. Instructions also restrict certain handling methods, such as prohibiting the thawing of frozen solutions using hot water baths or microwave irradiation.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Кефсепим: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research for Cefepime was evaluated in studies addressing severe infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections. The primary evidence was gathered in short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that compared Cefepime to other broad-spectrum antibiotics. These studies monitored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as clinical response measurements and the assessment of microbiological clearance. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where measurements for Cefepime were generally aligned with those reported for the comparator agents.

For empiric treatment for febrile neutropenia, Cefepime was studied for this condition characterized by periods of heightened symptoms (fever) in patients with low neutrophil counts. Researchers compared Cefepime monotherapy with dual-drug regimens in RCTs. Official data show patterns related to mortality measurements that were generally aligned with those observed in the comparison groups, although findings were mixed across some systematic reviews.

Studies in critically ill patients with bacteremia primarily rely on observational cohort studies rather than definitive RCTs. These studies examined outcomes related to physiological strain or stress, such as therapeutic failure rates and 28-day mortality. Evidence quality varies across studies, and results apply only to the populations studied.

Evidence in special populations includes studies in pediatric patients (children aged 2 months to 16 years). However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for infants under 2 months and for patients with highly variable drug clearance (e.g., severe renal function changes).

What remains uncertain: Long-term effects are not fully established, as follow-up durations were limited to the acute treatment period. Certainty remains low regarding optimal dosing strategies in specialized patient populations due to observed variability in drug concentration. Studies help show what has been observed so far, but research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly to the treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Кефсепим (FAQ)

Q: Can Кефсепим cause problems with sleep?

Official regulatory documents list the potential for central nervous system effects, which include serious reactions such as encephalopathy (brain function changes) and seizures. These events have been reported, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function who may require dose adjustments. Patients with concerns about changes to consciousness or sleep are encouraged to contact a healthcare professional.

Q: Does Кефсепим affect kidney function?

Regulatory documents state that uncommon adverse reactions include increases in blood urea and creatinine, which are indicators of kidney function. More serious events, such as renal failure, have also been reported in post-marketing surveillance. For this reason, official prescribing information recommends the monitoring of kidney function during treatment.

Q: Can Кефсепим interact with herbal supplements?

Official regulatory labels generally do not document specific interactions between Cefepime and herbal products. However, as with any medication, it is important to disclose all products, including any supplements, that are being used to your healthcare provider.

Q: What is the connection between Кефсепим and C. difficile infection?

As with nearly all antibacterial drugs, the official product label notes a risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, specifically Clostridioides difficile-associated Diarrhea (CDAD). This condition may occur during or after the use of Cefepime. This risk is acknowledged in the warnings section of the regulatory documents.

Q: Can a person receive a vaccination while taking Кефсепим?

Regulatory information advises against concurrently administering Cefepime with certain live bacterial vaccines, such as cholera and typhoid vaccines. This is because the antibiotic may potentially reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. A discussion about the full medication schedule with a healthcare provider is relevant before receiving any vaccinations.

Q: How long does Кефсепим stay in your system after the last dose?

Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that the elimination half-life of Cefepime in healthy adults is approximately 2 hours. The half-life describes the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the drug from the bloodstream. Most of the medicine is expected to be cleared from the body after a period of time equal to several half-lives.

Q: Is it common for people to feel tired while taking Кефсепим?

Official safety documents list a general feeling of tiredness or weakness as a possible adverse reaction. However, this symptom is often listed in post-marketing reports where the exact frequency is not well established. It is not considered one of the most common side effects listed in the regulatory documents.

Q: Can Кефсепим be used for common colds or flu?

Regulatory information explicitly states that Cefepime is an antibacterial drug and is designed only to treat bacterial infections. It is therefore not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza (flu).

Q: What is the difference between Кефсепим and a penicillin-type antibiotic?

Cefepime is classified as a beta-lactam antibiotic, which is the same drug class as penicillins. However, its specialized molecular structure provides enhanced stability against certain bacterial enzymes (beta-lactamases). This stability may be a factor when facing organisms known to be resistant to certain older beta-lactam drugs.

Q: Why is Кефсепим given in a hospital setting often?

The drug is administered via the intravenous route (IV infusion), which is often required for the severe or complicated bacterial infections and certain high-risk situations for which it is indicated. This method of administration often necessitates a controlled clinical environment.

Q: What kind of infections is Кефсепим not effective against?

The drug is indicated only for infections confirmed or suspected to be caused by susceptible strains of designated bacteria. The drug is not indicated for infections caused by non-susceptible microorganisms, such as viruses (e.g., cold/flu) or fungi.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Кефсепим?

Patient information suggests taking the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Regulatory guidance indicates that double doses are not appropriate.

Q: Are there common long-term effects associated with Кефсепим use?

Research evidence summaries state that the long-term effects are not fully established. This is because the follow-up period in clinical studies for Cefepime was generally limited to the acute treatment period of the infection. Any consideration of use beyond the prescribed course length is advised to be discussed with a medical professional.

Q: Is a metallic taste in the mouth listed as a possible side effect of Кефсепим?

Official documentation lists altered taste, sometimes referred to as dysgeusia or taste perversion, as a rare adverse reaction associated with Cefepime use. Patients are advised to report unusual or persistent changes in taste to their healthcare team.

Q: Why do doctors choose Кефсепим over other antibiotics for certain infections?

One key reason for its selection is its specialized structure, which grants it enhanced stability against bacterial enzymes (beta-lactamases) that can inactivate many other antibiotics. This profile may make the drug an option when facing organisms known to be resistant to older or first-line agents.

Q: What is the maximum duration for a course of Кефсепим treatment?

The treatment duration is based on the official dosage and administration guidelines for the specific type, severity, and location of the infection. For many common approved indications, the course typically ranges from 7 to 10 days, as outlined in the regulatory documents.

Q: What are the non-infectious conditions that sometimes require Кефсепим?

The official uses for Cefepime are for the treatment of established bacterial infections. Its other primary use is for the empiric treatment of fever in neutropenic patients—a condition characterized by a high risk of bacterial infection due to a very low white blood cell count.

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How should Кефсепим be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cefepime

The required storage conditions for Cefepime depend on its form. The sterile dry powder must be stored at controlled room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C, and protected from light. The frozen solution must be stored at or below -20°C.

Stability and Handling

Solutions reconstituted from the powder or thawed from the frozen form are typically stable for 7 days when refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) or for 24 hours at room temperature. The solution must not be refrozen after thawing or reconstitution. All forms of Cefepime must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Unused or expired Cefepime must not be disposed of in household waste or wastewater. Disposal should follow local, state, and federal regulations for pharmaceutical waste, often requiring return to a pharmacy or authorized take-back program.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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