cefepime
Meaning of cefepime: Cefepime is a broad spectrum antibiotic from a later cephalosporin generation, given intravenously to treat serious infections including certain resistant bacteria.
Definition of cefepime
Cefepime is an antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin family of drugs, classified as a later generation cephalosporin because of its broader activity against certain bacteria compared with earlier drugs in the same family. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to build their cell walls, which causes the bacteria to die.
Cefepime is used to treat a range of serious bacterial infections, including certain infections of the lungs, urinary tract, skin, and bloodstream, and it is often chosen for infections that may involve bacteria less susceptible to older antibiotics. It is given by injection or intravenous infusion rather than by mouth.
Because cefepime belongs to the broader family of beta-lactam antibiotics, which also includes penicillins, a person with a significant allergic reaction to one class of these drugs may need to be evaluated carefully before receiving another, given some shared risk of cross reactivity.
Used in a sentence
Cefepime was started intravenously to treat the patient's hospital acquired infection.
Good to know
Cefepime belongs to the same broad beta-lactam antibiotic family as penicillins, a shared feature relevant when a person has a documented allergy to one of these related antibiotic classes.