Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporinantibiotic. Cefepime has an extended spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negativebacteria, with greater activity against both types of organism than third-generation agents. A 2007 meta-analysis suggested when data of trials were combined, mortality was increased in people treated with cefepime compared with other β-lactam antibiotics.[1] In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) performed their own meta-analysis which found no mortality difference.[2]
Cefepime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic and has been used to treat bacteria responsible for causing pneumonia and infections of the skin and urinary tract. Some of these bacteria include Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and Streptococcus species. The following represents MIC susceptibility data for a few medically significant microorganisms:[7]
The combination of the syn-configuration of the methoxyiminomoiety and the aminothiazole moiety confers extra stability to β-lactamase enzymes produced by many bacteria. The N-methylpyrrolidine moiety increases penetration into Gram-negative bacteria. These factors increase the activity of cefepime against otherwise resistant organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Following expiration of the Bristol-Myers Squibb patent,[when?] cefepime became available as a generic and is now[when?] marketed by numerous companies worldwide under tradenames including Neopime (Neomed), Maxipime, Cepimax, Cepimex, and Axepim.
References
^Yahav D, Paul M, Fraser A, Sarid N, Leibovici L (May 2007). "Efficacy and safety of cefepime: a systematic review and meta-analysis". The Lancet. Infectious Diseases. 7 (5): 338–348. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70109-3. PMID17448937.
^"Cefepime (maxipime), large spectrum 4th generation cephalosporin, resistant to beta-lactamases]".
^World Health Organization (2019). Executive summary: the selection and use of essential medicines 2019: report of the 22nd WHO Expert Committee on the selection and use of essential medicines. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325773. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.05. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
^Chapman TM, Perry CM (2003). "Cefepime: a review of its use in the management of hospitalized patients with pneumonia". American Journal of Respiratory Medicine. 2 (1): 75–107. doi:10.1007/bf03256641. PMID14720024.