Cefepime (Maxipime) Drug for Infection: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Cefepime
(Maxipime, United States and Canada)

Use:

Cefepime or Maxipime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in bacterial infections that are susceptible. It has a broad spectrum of activity, and is available only for injection.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are classified in "generation" according to their antibacterial activity: first generation - cefadroxil, cefazolin, cephalexin, cephalothin, cephapirin, cephradine; second generation - cefaclor, cefamandole, cefmetazole, cefonicid, ceforanide, cefotetan, cefoxitin, cefprozil, cefuroxime, loracarbef; third generation - cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone.

How It Works:

Cefepime or Maxipime inhibits bacterial cell wall formation and the bacteria dies.

Side Effects:

Cefepime or Maxipime can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, and fever.

Cautions for People:

Because there is a cross sensitivity with penicillins, people who are allergic to penicillin should use Cefepime or Maxipime, and all cephalosporins, carefully.

Drug Interactions:

As with all antibiotics and in combination with other antibiotics, Cefepime or Maxipime has the ability to cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Further Reading:

Am J Med 1996;100(6A):13S,20S,39S,45S,52S,68S,76S,83S,90S
Acta Clin Belg 1996;51(1):28
J Antimicrob Chemother 1996;37(1):155
Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1995;39(10):2243
Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1995;39(8):1764

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.