Has a doctor prescribed an injection called Cefepime to you or anyone in your family? Or was this medicine given to you in a hospital? Hearing this name may have caused a little fear and curiosity. So today, let's talk about what Cefepime is, what diseases it is used for, and what we need to be careful about when taking it.
Simply put, what is this Cefepime?
Cefepime is a very strong antibiotic . It belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. The most important thing you need to remember is that this medicine only works on infections caused by bacteria. It will not treat viral infections like the common cold or flu.
This medication is usually given as an injection into a vein or muscle. For this reason, this treatment is often performed in a place under medical supervision, such as a hospital or clinic. In Sri Lanka, this medication can be found under brand names such as Maxipime.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Because cefepime is a powerful medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health. Be sure to discuss the information below with your doctor.
| Health condition or fact | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. So if there is any weakness in the kidneys, the doctor may have to change the dosage of the medicine. |
| Bleeding problems | Sometimes this medicine can affect blood clotting, so it is important to be aware of this in advance. |
| Diseases of the stomach or intestines (e.g., colitis) | If you have previously had severe diarrhea (colitis) due to antibiotics, your doctor should be aware of this. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications such as cefepime, other cephalosporins, penicillin, imipenem, or other foods or dyes. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | Any medication taken during pregnancy should be taken only on medical advice. So be sure to inform your doctor about this. |
| Breastfeeding | Since some of the medication may pass into breast milk, talk to your doctor about this and seek advice. |
How to take the medicine and what to be careful about
This medicine is usually given to you by a nurse or doctor in a hospital. However, in rare cases, some patients may need to receive this vaccine at home. If this happens, you will be taught how to prepare and inject it correctly. It is important to take the exact dose, at the exact time, as your doctor tells you. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Important: If you are getting vaccinated at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash. Ask your doctor about a special sharps container for them.
Do you give this medicine to children?
Yes. This medicine is given to children over 2 months of age for some specific infections. But it is done very carefully and under medical supervision.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Side effects to be aware of when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Cefepime can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue) | • Difficulty breathing |
| • Confusion, hallucinations | • Fever |
| • Pain or difficulty urinating | • Seizures |
| • Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth) | • Unusual bruising or bleeding |
| • Muscle stiffness | • Excessive fatigue |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| • Diarrhea | • Headache |
| • Mouth sores | • Nausea, vomiting |
| • Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site | |
Special Note: Sometimes, severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop red/purple blisters on your skin along with fever, body aches, or if you develop hives on your face, lips, neck, or armpits , see your doctor immediately.
Something special about diarrhea
Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medicine. However, if you have severe diarrhea that lasts more than two days and is watery, do not self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor.
Possible interactions with other medications
Other medications you are taking may interact with Cefepime. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications (other antibiotics, painkillers), traditional or Ayurvedic medicines , vitamins , and supplements you are taking.
It is especially important to inform your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- Birth control pills
- Other antibiotics such as amikacin and gentamicin
- Diuretics
- It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Take-Home Message
- Cefepime is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work for the common cold or flu.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- Be sure to take the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration. Do not stop taking the medication even if your symptoms improve.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin reactions, severe diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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