Micropime

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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.

Overview of Micropime

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefepime (as Cefepime hydrochloride)
Form Sterile powder for injection, reconstituted to solution
Pharmacological class Fourth-generation cephalosporin
General purpose Treating serious bacterial infections
Origin Semi-synthetic compound

What is Micropime and Its Chemical Origin?

Micropime is a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Cefepime, primarily present as Cefepime hydrochloride, and is fundamentally classified as an antibiotic. The pharmaceutical community clinically recognizes Cefepime for its expanded activity against challenging bacterial infections. Cefepime is a semi-synthetic compound, meaning its structure is derived from a natural substance but is chemically modified to enhance its stability against common bacterial resistance mechanisms. This medication is a single-ingredient product, and its core purpose is centered on fighting severe, potentially life-threatening systemic bacterial infections requiring broad coverage.


Micropime's Classification: A Fourth-Generation Cephalosporin

Micropime belongs to the beta-lactam antibiotic family and is specifically designated as a fourth-generation cephalosporin, a designation reflecting a significant advance over earlier cephalosporin generations. Cefepime is approved for clinical use as a potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial. This advanced classification signifies that the drug is a bactericidal agent, engineered to be highly effective against numerous bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The general benefit of this classification is its reliable physiological action in rapidly killing bacteria by disrupting their cell wall structure, which is critical for managing severe infections, such as those that may occur in adult or pediatric patients requiring hospitalization.


Available Form and Delivery Type

Micropime is manufactured as a sterile powder for injection, which requires reconstitution into a solution for injection using a compatible diluent like Sterile Water for Injection prior to use. This preparation is strictly intended for parenteral administration, meaning it must be delivered directly into the body, typically through the intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) route of administration. This delivery method is necessary because Cefepime must achieve immediate and high concentration levels in the bloodstream to effectively treat systemic bacterial diseases.

Regulatory References

  1. Cefepime - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH

What side effects are possible with Micropime?

Possible side effects and safety information

Micropime (Cefepime) has an officially documented safety profile characterized by adverse reactions grouped by frequency and affected organ system, as classified by regulatory authorities like the FDA and EMA. The potential side effects span multiple physiological classes, with specific serious risks noted in official labeling.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently documented findings include a Very Common occurrence of a Positive Direct Coombs' Test (often without physiological effect). Reactions classified as Common (ge 1% to <10%) typically involve the gastrointestinal system and local site reactions, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus (itching), and phlebitis at the infusion site. Uncommon reactions (ge 0.1% to <1%) may include colitis or thrombocytopenia.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Serious adverse reactions are reported, particularly concerning the nervous system. These include neurotoxicity, which can manifest as encephalopathy, myoclonus, and seizures (convulsions). This risk is most pronounced in patients with renal impairment who do not receive appropriate dose adjustments, a fact explicitly noted in official labeling. Additionally, severe hypersensitivity reactions, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis, are documented. The label also notes the risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur during or subsequent to treatment and may range up to fatal colitis.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The safety profile includes specific caution for Geriatric patients due to the higher likelihood of decreased renal function, necessitating careful monitoring and dose selection to mitigate risks like neurotoxicity. The medicine is contraindicated for individuals with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to Cefepime, any other cephalosporin, or a severe reaction to any other beta-lactam antibacterial agent.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help: Official Regulatory Information for Micropime

Regulatory documentation confirms that overdose of Micropime (Cefepime) is primarily characterized by severe neurotoxicity stemming from high systemic drug concentrations. These manifestations are commonly observed in patients with impaired renal function, which is identified as the chief risk factor for drug accumulation.


Documented Overdose Manifestations

The primary danger involves the Central Nervous System (CNS), with symptoms documented as including encephalopathy, altered mental status (confusion, disorientation, stupor, and coma), myoclonus, and hallucinations. Regulatory sources classify severe outcomes, such as seizures and non-convulsive status epilepticus, as potentially life-threatening or fatal.


Emergency Actions Mandated by Regulators

Action Domain Official Regulatory Statement
Immediate Action Discontinue Micropime immediately upon the first signs of neurotoxicity.
Urgent Help Seek medical attention right away if symptoms like confusion or altered mental status are noticed.
Supportive Measures Institute appropriate supportive measures; hemodialysis is the described procedural step for accelerating drug removal.
Antidote Status No specific antidote is known for Cefepime overdose.

These official statements establish the specific, regulator-mandated conditions under which emergency medical help must be sought.

Therapeutic Uses of Micropime

What Micropime Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Micropime is commonly used in therapeutic management of severe and complicated bacterial infections that cause significant distress, applied in clinical settings where prompt, supportive management is relevant, primarily in hospitalized patients. It is considered relevant for its broad-spectrum action against organisms that may be associated with heightened physiological stress, and is used for managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states that contribute to acute manifestations.

Micropime is indicated for several major, high-acuity infections. These typically include moderate-to-severe pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, febrile neutropenia, skin and skin structure infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections.


Treating Life-Threatening Systemic and Deep Infections

This medication is specifically applied in clinical scenarios involving life-threatening systemic symptoms (such as sepsis or bloodstream infection) and its use as empiric therapy in high-risk patients like those with febrile neutropenia. Its use here may assist in addressing the underlying cause of heightened symptoms, and can support the patient during difficult episodes in these acute emergencies.


Relief from Severe Organ-Specific Infection Symptoms

Micropime helps relieve the pronounced symptoms arising from serious, site-specific infections. In situations where symptoms are linked to an infectious process, it may assist with easing the symptom burden of symptoms such as intense fever, pain, and respiratory difficulty, helping to ease the overall physical burden and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Systemic Symptoms

Domain Symptom Benefit
Life-Threatening Symptoms related to systemic imbalance Supports patient during difficult acute episodes.
Organ-Specific Symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states Helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Micropime (Cefepime) eligibility is defined by regulatory agencies based strictly on a patient's medical history, age, and physiological status.

Absolute Exclusion (Contraindications)

Micropime must not be used in patients with a known history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to Cefepime itself or to any other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs, such as penicillins or other cephalosporins. This is a mandatory non-eligibility rule established in official labeling.


Age-Group Eligibility and Restrictions

  • Approved Use: The medicine is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 months and older.
  • Use Not Established: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 months of age.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

Use is permitted only under restricted circumstances in several specific populations, requiring special consideration as documented in regulatory labeling:

  • Renal Impairment: Patients with impaired renal function (Creatinine Clearance le 60 mL/min) are subject to conditional use.
  • Comorbidities: Caution is required for patients with pre-existing Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders or a history of colitis.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is advised with caution and only if clearly needed, due to the drug’s excretion into human milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interaction Map: Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Micropime

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., Aminoglycosides), Potent Diuretics, Oral Anticoagulants (Coumarin-type), Substances causing false-positive laboratory results, and other intravenous solutions (for compatibility constraints).
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Additive toxicity (nephrotoxicity/ototoxicity); Potentiation of anticoagulant effect; Physical/Chemical Incompatibility; Reduced Clearance due to Impaired Renal Function.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable) Must not be physically mixed with other intravenously administered anti-infectives (e.g., Aminoglycosides, Vancomycin) in the same syringe or IV line due to documented incompatibility.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable) Patients with Renal Impairment (Creatinine Clearance leq 60 mL/min) experience increased plasma concentration and heightened risk of neurotoxicity due to decreased elimination.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Interaction severity classification Use with caution/Increased Risk (Aminoglycosides, Potent Diuretics, Coumarin Anticoagulants). Physical Incompatibility (Timing/Separation). Clinically Significant (Renal Impairment, Neurotoxicity).

Resulting Interaction Structure

Official interaction statements:

  • Co-administration with Aminoglycosides or Potent Diuretics carries the official warning of increased potential for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
  • The use of Cefepime with Coumarin anticoagulants may potentiate the anticoagulant effect, which is officially linked to increased Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
  • The medicine is officially documented to interfere with certain laboratory assays, causing a false-positive reaction in copper-reduction urinary glucose tests and resulting in a positive direct Coombs' test.

Connection to the overall interaction profile (2–4 sentences): The product’s official interaction profile is defined primarily by its total reliance on renal elimination, which requires constraints regarding patients with impaired renal function due to resulting increased systemic exposure. The profile is further structured by pharmacodynamic class effects that caution against combination with agents that share intrinsic risks of organ damage, such as nephrotoxicity. Procedural constraints are also mandated to prevent physical co-mixing with other intravenous products due to incompatibility risks.

Mechanism of Action

How Micropime Works: Mechanism of Action

Micropime functions as a covalent beta-lactam inhibitor that targets essential bacterial Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), primarily PBP3. This interaction occurs when the beta-lactam ring binds irreversibly to the active site serine residue of these transpeptidase enzymes, effectively neutralizing their function.

This molecular blockade disrupts the final stage of the peptidoglycan pathway, specifically preventing the necessary cross-linking of peptidoglycan polymers that provide rigidity to the bacterial cell wall. The failure to synthesize an intact, load-bearing cell wall leads to a profound imbalance between cell construction and degradation. The resulting structural defect triggers the action of bacterial autolytic enzymes, which further compromise the cell's integrity. Under high internal osmotic pressure, this cascade leads to catastrophic bacterial cell lysis and rupture, which constitutes the drug's immediate bactericidal physiological effect and the basis of its action against susceptible bacterial populations.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Micropime: Administration Guidelines

Micropime (Cefepime) is an antibiotic prescribed for systemic use, and its administration must strictly follow the instructions to ensure proper use.

Administration Scope and Dosage

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Primarily delivered through Intravenous (IV) Infusion. Intramuscular (IM) Injection is indicated for mild-to-moderate uncomplicated or complicated Urinary Tract Infections only.
Dosing Schedule Adult doses range from 0.5 g to 2 g per administration. The maximum single dose is 2 g.
Frequency Administration occurs either Every 12 hours (q12h) for most moderate-to-severe infections or Every 8 hours (q8h) for high-acuity conditions such as febrile neutropenia.
Duration of Therapy Treatment duration is typically fixed by the indication, ranging from 7 to 10 days (e.g., 7 days for febrile neutropenia, 10 days for pneumonia).

Procedural and Population Requirements

Micropime is supplied as a sterile powder that requires reconstitution with a compatible diluent to form a solution prior to use. The IV administration is consistently performed as a short infusion over approximately 30 minutes.

Instructions mandate specific adjustments for certain patient populations:

  • Renal Impairment: A dose adjustment is explicitly required for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCL) of 60 mL/min or less, involving a reduction in the maintenance dose or an extension of the dosing interval.
  • Pediatric Use: For patients two months to sixteen years of age, dosing is weight-based (50 mg/kg per dose), with the critical constraint that the dose must not exceed the maximum recommended adult dose.

These guidelines define a standardized protocol governing the preparation, timing, and delivery of Micropime throughout the course of therapy.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Micropime

Evidence Overview for Febrile Neutropenia

Micropime was evaluated in research that explored outcomes for initial therapy for fever in patients with low white blood cell counts (febrile neutropenia). The evidence primarily consists of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that compared it to other single antibiotics. The studies monitored patient outcomes such as the measurement of all-cause mortality over 30 days and the measurement of clinical response. Findings describe patterns observed in these studies, but data for infants younger than two months of age remains insufficient, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Research Supporting Use in Pneumonia

Research for Micropime’s role in moderate-to-severe pneumonia includes RCTs and observational studies where the treatment was compared to other broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospitalized adults and children. The studies focused on outcomes related to physiological strain, such as the measurement of clinical cure, microbiological eradication, and all-cause mortality. The outcomes monitored were often short-term, corresponding to the acute infection phase, and long-term effects are not fully established beyond this period.

Studies for Complicated Organ-Specific Infections

Studies explored the use of Micropime for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). The research examined outcomes linked to inflammatory states, such as the measurement of changes in urinary symptoms and microbiological clearance. For cIAI, evidence often comes from multi-drug regimens, meaning the evidence quality varies across studies regarding the individual role of Micropime. Follow-up durations were limited, and comparative evidence is lacking against the newest regimens.

Evidence in Special Patient Groups

Research was evaluated in pediatric patients (children and infants older than two months) and critically ill adults. Although these patient groups were observed in clinical studies across key indications, data for certain subgroups remain insufficient, and evidence quality varies across studies.

Research Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

Areas where certainty remains low include the absence of large, prospective Randomized Clinical Trials specifically designed to compare Micropime against newer antibiotic alternatives for highly resistant organisms, such as AmpC-producing Enterobacterales. Furthermore, research has focused primarily on clinical outcomes, meaning that patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort or long-term quality of life are not well characterized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Micropime (FAQ)

Q: If I miss a dose of Micropime, what should I do?

If a dose is missed, official guidance for self-administered doses states it may be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled administration, only the next dose is typically administered. Regulatory information advises against taking double or extra doses to make up for a missed one.

Q: Is Micropime okay for people with pre-existing kidney issues?

Micropime is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. for patients with impaired renal function, which means reduced kidney performance, official instructions require the dose to be adjusted. This is an important measure because high levels of the medicine in the body can increase the risk of serious side effects on the nervous system, known as neurotoxicity.

Q: Is Micropime safe for older adults over 65?

Official labeling advises caution for older adult patients because they are generally more likely to have decreased kidney function, which affects how the medicine is cleared from the body. Due to this potential, careful dose selection and monitoring are officially recommended to help address the officially noted risk of nervous system side effects.

Q: Is Micropime considered a controlled substance?

Micropime (Cefepime) is officially classified as a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. According to the official prescribing information, this medicine is not classified or listed as a controlled substance.

Q: Can I split or crush my Micropime tablets?

Micropime is manufactured as a sterile powder which is reconstituted into a solution for injection. It is strictly intended for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration. It is not available as an oral tablet and is not intended to be split or crushed.

Q: What is the average duration of treatment with Micropime?

The duration of treatment with Micropime is determined by the official indication. For most infections, such as pneumonia or complicated abdominal infections, the duration of therapy officially ranges from 7 to 10 days.

Q: Can Micropime cause changes in my mood or behavior?

Official documents report serious side effects affecting the nervous system, collectively referred to as neurotoxicity. Symptoms linked to this effect include confusion, hallucinations, and disturbance of consciousness, which are recognized nervous system changes.

Q: Is it common to feel a little dizzy after taking Micropime?

Dizziness is listed in the official documents as a possible adverse reaction associated with this medicine. It is tied to the drug's potential for effects on the nervous system.

Q: Is Micropime the same type of medicine as [similar drug name]? What's the difference?

Micropime (Cefepime) is an antibiotic belonging to the beta-lactam family, specifically classified as a fourth-generation cephalosporin. This classification signifies that it is engineered to be highly effective against a broad range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, representing an advanced version of earlier cephalosporin generations.

Q: What happens if I accidentally take two doses of Micropime close together?

Taking extra or double doses is not recommended. The official prescribing information notes that high concentrations of the medicine in the body can increase the risk of serious nervous system effects, especially in patients who have reduced kidney function.

Q: What should I do if I get a rash while using Micropime?

Rash is a commonly documented side effect, but severe hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) like anaphylaxis are also reported. If a severe rash or an allergic reaction occurs, the official guidance is that the medicine is typically discontinued and appropriate supportive measures are instituted.

Q: What does the box warning for Micropime typically cover?

The official safety statements concern serious risks, most notably neurotoxicity (nervous system damage), which can lead to symptoms like encephalopathy and seizures. Another serious risk is Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which are noted in the official prescribing information.

Q: Can I stop taking Micropime as soon as my symptoms improve?

The duration of therapy for Micropime is determined by the official indication. Regulatory documents indicate that stopping antibiotic use prematurely is unlikely to provide clinical benefit and can increase the risk of bacteria developing resistance to the drug.

Q: Are there any specific diseases that make Micropime use risky?

Official documents require caution for patients with specific pre-existing conditions. These include impaired renal function (reduced kidney performance), a history of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, and a history of colitis (bowel inflammation).

Q: How does Micropime affect a person's ability to focus or concentrate?

The official safety profile notes the potential for neurotoxicity, which includes symptoms of encephalopathy such as confusion and disturbance of consciousness. These nervous system effects may impact a person’s ability to focus or concentrate.

Q: What kind of monitoring or blood tests are required while on Micropime?

Official instructions require monitoring and dose adjustment for patients with impaired renal function. The medicine is also officially documented to interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing a false-positive reaction in copper-reduction urinary glucose tests and a positive direct Coombs' test.

Q: Do generic versions of Micropime work the exact same way as the brand name?

Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, require that all approved generic versions of a medicine demonstrate chemical and biological equivalence (bioequivalence) to the brand-name product. This regulatory standard means the generic version is expected to provide the same clinical benefit and have the same safety profile as the brand-name product.

Q: Why do some people need a higher dose of Micropime than others?

The required dose is determined by the severity and site of the infection being treated, with higher doses typically necessary for more severe conditions like febrile neutropenia. Additionally, doses are often adjusted downward for patients with reduced kidney function to prevent excessive accumulation of the medicine in the body.

Q: Does Micropime treat other conditions besides the main one listed?

Yes, Micropime is officially approved to treat a variety of serious bacterial infections. This includes moderate to severe pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and as therapy for febrile neutropenic patients.

Q: Does the approval of Micropime rely on long-term safety data?

The clinical trials that support the medicine's primary indications focused on short-term outcomes related to the acute phase of infection, such as achieving clinical cure. The official research overview notes that long-term effects beyond the immediate treatment period are not fully established.

Q: Is it common to feel sick to my stomach after taking Micropime?

Nausea and vomiting are commonly documented side effects of Micropime. They are listed in official documents as commonly documented reactions.

Q: What is the research status on using Micropime in children?

Safety and efficacy are established and approved for pediatric patients aged 2 months and older. However, use has not been established in children younger than 2 months of age, and the official research overview notes that evidence for infants younger than 2 months remains insufficient.

Q: How should Micropime be stored at home?

The medicine in its powder form should be stored at controlled room temperature (20 C to 25 C), protected from light. If the medicine is prepared as a solution, it must be used within 24 hours at room temperature or within 7 days if refrigerated. Prepared solutions should never be frozen.

How should Micropime be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Micropime

The storage of Micropime (Cefepime for Injection) is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines for both the powder and the prepared solution.

Storage Conditions

Item Requirement
Unreconstituted Powder Store at controlled room temperature (20 C to 25 C) in the original container and protect from light.
Reconstituted Solution Use within 24 hours at room temperature or within 7 days if refrigerated (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze prepared solutions.

Disposal and Safety

It is mandatory to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not dispose of unused or expired product in household waste or via wastewater. All waste material must be handled and disposed of according to local requirements for pharmaceutical waste, following instructions provided by your pharmacist or local authority.

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

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