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Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Cefepime is administered by injection as the hydrochloride. It is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following intramuscular injection and mean peak plasma concentrations of about 14 and 30 μg per mL have been reported about 1.5 hours after doses of 500 mg and 1 g respectively. Within 30 minutes of intravenous administration of similar doses, peak plasma concentrations of about 40 mg and 80 μg per mL are achieved. The plasma half-life of Cefepime is approximately 2 hours and is prolonged in patients with renal impairment. About 20% of Cefepime is bound to plasma proteins.
Cefepime is widely distributed in body tissue and fluids. High concentrations are achieved in bile. Low concentrations have been detected in breast milk.
Cefepime is eliminated principally by the kidneys and about 85% of a dose is recovered unchanged in the urine. Cefepime is substantially removed by haemodialysis.
Microbiology: Antimicrobial Action: Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic and is active against wide of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic organisms. Against Gram-positive cocci, its activity is similar to that of Cefotaxime and includes staphylococci (but not methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and streptococci. Against Enterobacteriaceae, it has a broader spectrum of activity against organisms producing chromosomally mediated beta-lactamases such as Enterobacter spp. and Proteus vulgaris. Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it has a similar or slightly less activity than ceftazidime, although it may be active against some strains resistant to ceftazidime.
