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Cefepime Injection

Cefepime injection is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and complicated abdominal infections.

Brand names MaxipimeCefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose
Drug classes Cephalosporin Antibacterial
Rx Form 1
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 14 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 5, 2026
Cefepime Injection at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Cefepime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, given by IV, that kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. On the market since about 1996 and available generically, it is a hospital workhorse for pneumonia, urinary and kidney infections, and fever when white blood cell counts are very low. Most people tolerate it well, and what they notice is usually soreness or vein irritation at the IV site, diarrhea, or a rash. The main serious risk is neurotoxicity, meaning confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching or seizures. It is most likely when weak kidneys (common in older adults) let the drug build up, so kidney checks and dose adjustments matter.

Clinical pearls

  • Mention any penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, plus any corn allergy, because the premixed dextrose bags are off-limits with a corn allergy.
  • Severe or lingering diarrhea, even after treatment ends, can signal a C. difficile gut infection and needs a prompt call.
  • Clinitest-type urine sugar tablets can read falsely positive on cefepime, so people with diabetes should use enzyme-based urine tests.
  • If gentamicin, tobramycin or a strong water pill like furosemide is added, expect closer kidney lab checks.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asInjection
Earliest FDA record1996
Companies listing it with the FDA10
FDA label last updatedJun 25, 2026
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Cefepime Injection, written from its FDA label.

What Cefepime Injection is used for

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Cefepime injection is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic approved to treat several types of serious bacterial infections. The intramuscular (IM) route is indicated only for mild-to-moderate urinary tract infections caused by E. coli; all other uses are via the intravenous (IV) route.

  • Pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by susceptible bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter species
  • Febrile neutropenia — fever in patients with very low white blood cell counts (e.g., during chemotherapy), used as monotherapy; monotherapy may not be appropriate for very high-risk patients
  • Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated and complicated, including pyelonephritis) caused by susceptible E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis; the IM route is indicated only for mild-to-moderate UTIs due to E. coli
  • Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults, used in combination with metronidazole, caused by susceptible organisms including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter species, and Bacteroides fragilis
  • Approved in pediatric patients aged 2 months up to 16 years for UTIs, skin infections, pneumonia, and empiric therapy for febrile neutropenia
  • Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose formulations containing dextrose are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products

How Cefepime Injection works

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Cefepime is a cephalosporin antibiotic — part of the broader beta-lactam antibiotic family. It works by blocking the construction of the bacterial cell wall, a structure bacteria need to survive and multiply. Without it, bacteria break apart and die. Cefepime is active against a wide variety of bacteria, making it useful for serious or mixed infections.

Like all antibiotics, cefepime only works against bacterial infections — it has no effect on viruses. Using it only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected helps prevent antibiotic resistance, where bacteria adapt and stop responding to treatment.

Cefepime Injection dosage

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Cefepime injection is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinical setting. Intravenous (IV) doses are infused through a vein over about 30 minutes. The intramuscular (IM) route is indicated only for mild-to-moderate urinary tract infections caused by E. coli. Depending on the infection being treated, doses are typically given every 8 or 12 hours for a course lasting 7 to 10 days.

  • Patients with kidney disease require a lower dose or longer interval between doses — this is essential to avoid serious side effects
  • Older adults are more likely to need a dose adjustment because kidney function naturally declines with age
  • Pediatric dosing (for children aged 2 months up to 16 years) is based on weight and the type of infection
  • Always follow your prescriber's exact instructions; do not adjust doses on your own

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Cefepime Injection prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Moderate to Severe Pneumonia (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 1 to 2 g IV every 8 to 12 hours for 10 days
    • For P. aeruginosa, use 2 g IV every 8 hours
  • Empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 2 g IV every 8 hours for 7 days
    • Or until resolution of neutropenia
  • Mild to Moderate Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, including pyelonephritis (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 0.5 to 1 g IV/IM every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days
    • IM route indicated only for mild to moderate, uncomplicated or complicated UTIs due to E. coli
  • Severe Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, including pyelonephritis (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 2 g IV every 12 hours for 10 days
  • Moderate to Severe Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 2 g IV every 12 hours for 10 days
  • Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections, used in combination with metronidazole (adults, CrCL greater than 60 mL/min)
    • 2 g IV every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 10 days
    • For P. aeruginosa, use 2 g IV every 8 hours
  • Pediatric patients (2 months up to 16 years) up to 40 kg: UTIs, skin and skin structure infections, pneumonia
    • 50 mg per kg per dose every 12 hours
    • For moderate to severe pneumonia due to P. aeruginosa, 50 mg per kg per dose every 8 hours
    • Maximum: Should not exceed the recommended adult dose
    • Durations as given for adults
  • Pediatric patients (2 months up to 16 years) with febrile neutropenia
    • 50 mg per kg per dose every 8 hours
    • Maximum: Should not exceed the recommended adult dose
  • Adults with CrCL 30 to 60 mL/min
    • 500 mg every 24 hours, 1 g every 24 hours, 2 g every 24 hours, or 2 g every 12 hours (depending on the usual regimen)
    • Renal impairment adjustment (CrCL less than or equal to 60 mL/min)
  • Adults on hemodialysis
    • 1 g on day 1, then 500 mg every 24 hours thereafter
    • 1 g every 24 hours for febrile neutropenia
    • Give after hemodialysis on dialysis days, at the same time each day
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Dosage in Adults with Creatinine Clearance (CrCL) Greater Than 60 mL/min ( 2.1 ) Site and Type of Infection Dose Frequency Duration (days) Moderate to Severe Pneumonia § 1 to 2 g IV Every 8 to 12 hours 10 Empiric Therapy for Febrile Neutropenic Patients 2 g IV Every 8 hours 7* Mild to Moderate Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 0.5 to 1 g IV/IM** Every 12 hours 7 to 10 Severe Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Moderate to Severe Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections § (used in combination with metronidazole) 2 g IV Every 12 hours 7 to 10 § For Pseudomonas aeruginosa , use 2 g IV every 8 hours. ( 2.1 ) *Or until resolution of neutropenia. ( 2.1 ) **Intramuscular route of administration is indicated only for mild to moderate, uncomplicated or complicated UTIs due to E. coli. (2.1 ) Pediatric Patients (2 months to 16 years) Recommended dosage in pediatric with CrCL greater than 60 mL/min. ( 2.2 ) The usual recommended dosage in pediatric patients is 50 mg per kg per dose administered every 12 hours (every 8 hours for febrile neutropenia). ( 2.2 ) Patients with Renal Impairment: Adjust dose in patients with CrCL less than or equal to 60 mL/min. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosage for Adults The recommended adult dosages and routes of administration are outlined in Table 1 below for patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min. Administer cefepime for injection intravenously over approximately 30 minutes.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Cefepime Injection side effects

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The most common side effects reported with cefepime injection include:

Common side effects

  • Rash
  • Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
  • Phlebitis (vein irritation at the IV site)
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Changes in liver enzyme levels or blood counts on lab tests (usually without noticeable symptoms)

When to get medical help

  • Call your doctor right away if you develop confusion, hallucinations, trouble speaking, muscle twitching, or seizures — these can be signs of neurotoxicity (nervous system side effects)
  • Seek emergency care for signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Tell your doctor if you develop severe or persistent diarrhea, which could signal a serious gut infection called C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile)
  • Contact your doctor if you notice signs of unusual bruising or bleeding, which may relate to changes in clotting factors

Cefepime Injection warnings and precautions

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  • Neurotoxicity (nervous system side effects): Serious and potentially fatal reactions have been reported, including confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness (encephalopathy), muscle jerking (myoclonus), and seizures. This risk is greatest in patients with kidney disease who receive doses that haven't been adjusted. Stop cefepime and get medical help immediately if these occur.
  • Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis (a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction) has been reported. People with a history of penicillin allergy may also react to cefepime. Tell your care team about any prior antibiotic allergies before starting treatment.
  • C. difficile diarrhea (CDAD): Cefepime can disturb the gut's normal bacterial balance, allowing Clostridioides difficile to overgrow and cause severe diarrhea or dangerous colon inflammation (colitis). This can occur up to two months after finishing treatment. Report persistent or severe diarrhea to your doctor.
  • Drug-resistant bacteria: Using cefepime when it isn't needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance. It should only be used for proven or strongly suspected bacterial infections.
  • Prothrombin time (blood clotting): Cefepime may affect blood clotting; patients with kidney or liver disease, poor nutrition, or prolonged antibiotic courses should have clotting monitored.

Cefepime Injection interactions

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A few important drug and test interactions to be aware of with cefepime injection:

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin): Using these together increases the risk of kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and hearing damage (ototoxicity). Kidney function must be monitored closely.
  • Potent diuretics (water pills, e.g., furosemide): Can raise the risk of kidney damage when combined with cefepime. Kidney function should be monitored.
  • Urine glucose tests (e.g., Clinitest tablets): Cefepime can cause a false-positive result. Enzyme-based (glucose oxidase) tests should be used instead to get an accurate reading.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Cefepime Injection prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Aminoglycosides: Increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs. Monitor renal function if aminoglycosides are to be administered with cefepime.
  • Diuretics (potent, such as furosemide): Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function when cefepime is concomitantly administered with potent diuretics.
  • Urine glucose tests: Cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with certain methods. Use glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Aminoglycosides: increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Monitor renal function. ( 7.2 ) Diuretics: nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with certain methods. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions be used. 7.2 Aminoglycosides Monitor renal function if aminoglycosides are to be administered with cefepime for injection because of the increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs. 7.3 Diuretics Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function when cefepime is concomitantly administered with potent diuretics.

7.1 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with certain methods. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions be used.

7.2 Aminoglycosides Monitor renal function if aminoglycosides are to be administered with cefepime for injection because of the increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs.

7.3 Diuretics Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. Monitor renal function when cefepime is concomitantly administered with potent diuretics.

Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿43 supplements and herbs with documented Cefepime Injection interactions, ranked by severity Check Cefepime Injection against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Cefepime Injection

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  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cefepime, any cephalosporin, penicillin, or other beta-lactam antibiotic — cross-reactions can occur
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis — dose adjustments are required
  • Older adults (65 and older) are at higher risk of serious nervous system side effects, especially if kidney function is reduced; careful dose selection and monitoring are needed
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant — available data have not shown a clear risk with cephalosporin use in pregnancy, but your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding — cefepime passes into breast milk in small amounts; discuss the risks and benefits with your care team
  • Cefepime has not been established as safe or effective in children under 2 months of age
  • Cefepime should not be used if you have had an immediate allergic reaction to cefepime, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics
  • If your formulation contains dextrose (Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose), tell your doctor if you have a known allergy to corn or corn products — this formulation is contraindicated in that case

Cefepime Injection overdose

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If too much cefepime is given — which is most likely to happen in people with kidney disease who receive unadjusted doses — it can cause confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, muscle twitching (myoclonus), seizures, and nervous system overstimulation. Anyone who receives an overdose should be monitored closely and given supportive medical care. Hemodialysis (a kidney-cleaning procedure) can help remove cefepime from the body and is preferred over peritoneal dialysis in this situation.

What Cefepime Injection does in the body

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Cefepime works in a time-dependent way — its effectiveness is best predicted by how long the drug level in the blood stays above the minimum concentration needed to stop the bacteria from growing (called the MIC). This means keeping a steady, adequate level of the drug in the body throughout the dosing interval is more important than achieving a very high peak level. This principle guides how dosing schedules are designed for different types and severities of infection.

How your body processes Cefepime Injection

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When given intravenously, cefepime reaches measurable levels in tissues quickly, including the lungs, urine, bile, and peritoneal (abdominal) fluid; it also appears to cross an inflamed blood-brain barrier. When given as an intramuscular injection, it is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Cefepime has a short half-life of about 2 hours in people with normal kidney function, meaning it clears the body relatively quickly. About 85% of each dose is eliminated unchanged through the kidneys in urine, so people with reduced kidney function clear the drug much more slowly — with the half-life stretching to over 13 hours in patients on hemodialysis — which is why dose adjustments are critical in kidney disease.

How to store Cefepime Injection

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Store at or below –20°C (-4°F). refrigeration 5°C (41°F). refrigeration 5°C (41°F) or 24 hours at room temperature 25°C (77°F).

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

43

Supplements & herbs that interact with Cefepime Injection

43 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Cefepime Injection in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 2
  • Moderate · 39
  • Minor · 2
ASARABACCA Major SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR Major AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate ARISTOLOCHIA Moderate BACILLUS COAGULANS Moderate Bacillus Subtilis Moderate Banderol Moderate BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS SUBSP. LACTIS Moderate +35 more
Every supplement checked against Cefepime Injection — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 2 major · 39 moderate · 2 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Cefepime Injection against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

7

Nutrient depletion considerations

Cefepime Injection has been associated with lower levels of 7 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 6
  • Moderate · 1
BIOTIN Insignificant Depletion FOLIC ACID Insignificant Depletion RIBOFLAVIN Insignificant Depletion THIAMINE Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B12 Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B6 Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN K Moderate Depletion
See the full Cefepime Injection nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Cefepime Injection: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Cefepime Injection — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

Why am I getting cefepime through an IV instead of just taking an antibiotic pill?

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Cefepime is only available as an injection — there's no pill form. It's designed for serious bacterial infections that need a strong antibiotic delivered directly into your bloodstream or muscle so it can work quickly and reach high enough levels in your body. Your care team will give it to you in a hospital or clinical setting where they can monitor how you're doing.

What side effects should I actually expect, and which ones mean I should speak up right away?

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The most common things people notice are redness, pain, or swelling near the injection or IV site, along with rash, nausea, diarrhea, or headache — these are usually manageable. What you should report right away is anything involving your thinking or movement: confusion, seeing things that aren't there, muscle twitching, or a seizure. Also call for help immediately if you have severe trouble breathing, significant swelling, or a sudden drop in how you feel — those could signal a serious allergic reaction.

I have kidney problems — is that going to affect how I get this antibiotic?

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Yes, and your team is aware of it. Because cefepime is cleared mainly by your kidneys, reduced kidney function means the drug stays in your body longer. That's why your dose or how often you receive it will be adjusted to match your kidney function. Skipping that adjustment is actually a key reason some people experience serious side effects, so it's an important safety step — not just a formality.

I've heard I should watch out for diarrhea after antibiotics. What should I look for?

▾
That's a smart thing to know about. Any antibiotic, including cefepime, can disturb the natural bacteria in your gut and allow a germ called C. difficile to take over. This can cause diarrhea that's more frequent, watery, or severe than usual — and it can even start weeks after you finish treatment. If you develop significant diarrhea during or after your course of cefepime, let your doctor know right away rather than just waiting it out.

I'm allergic to penicillin — is it safe for me to take cefepime?

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This is really important to tell your care team before you start. Cefepime is in the same broad family of antibiotics as penicillin (called beta-lactams), and there's a real — though not certain — chance of cross-reactivity. Studies suggest up to about 1 in 10 people with a penicillin allergy may also react to cefepime. Your team will weigh the risks and benefits carefully and watch you closely if they decide cefepime is still the right choice for your infection.

Is it okay to breastfeed while I'm on cefepime?

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Cefepime does pass into breast milk, but only in very small amounts. Based on current data, a nursing baby would receive a tiny fraction of the dose you're getting. That said, this is something you should discuss with your doctor so they can factor in your specific situation, your baby's age and health, and how important cefepime is for treating your infection. Don't stop breastfeeding without talking to your care team first.

Is Cefepime Injection available over the counter?

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No. Cefepime Injection is a prescription medicine: every Cefepime Injection product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Cefepime Injection first available?

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The earliest FDA record we hold for Cefepime Injection is from 1996: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Cefepime Injection was first used.

Who makes Cefepime Injection?

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10 companies currently list Cefepime Injection products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Apotex Corp., Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., WG Critical Care, LLC. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Cefepime Injection on HelloPharmacist

📊Cefepime Injection supplement interactions43 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerCefepime Injection vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Cefepime Injection NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Cefepime Injection Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Cefepime Injection forms and strengths (how it comes)

Cefepime Injection is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Cefepime Injection inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Injection

Into a muscle · Into a vein
Brands Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Treats moderate-to-severe pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria
  • Treats uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis; the intramuscular route is indicated only for mild-to-moderate UTIs caused by E. coli
  • Treats uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible bacteria
  • Treats complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults (used together with metronidazole) and provides empiric therapy for fever in patients with very low white blood cell counts (febrile neutropenia)
Important instructions
  • Intravenous doses are infused over approximately 30 minutes through a vein
  • The intramuscular route is indicated only for mild-to-moderate uncomplicated or complicated urinary tract infections due to E. coli
  • Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose: solutions containing dextrose are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products
  • Dose frequency (every 8 or 12 hours) and duration vary by infection type and severity — follow your prescriber's instructions exactly
Available strengths 8 strengths
500 mg 1 g 1 g/20 mL 1 g/50 mL 2 g 2 g/20 mL
Show 2 more strengths Show fewer strengths
2 g/50 mL 100 g
65 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Cefepime Injection on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Cefepime Injection appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

10 companies list 27 Cefepime Injection product records with the FDA, mostly as injection; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1996. Brand names on the directory include Maxipime, Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose; the rest are generics.

1
Dose forms ⓘ
10
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
3
Brand names
27
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1996
Earliest FDA record ⓘ
Apotex Corp.22%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.15%
WG Critical Care, LLC15%
Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.11%
B. Braun Medical Inc.7%
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC7%
Other makers22%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Cefepime Injection is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Cefepime Injection is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Cefepime Injection is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

52,968
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$5.4M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Cefepime Injection prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Cefepime Injection ranks #623 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 61% of them.

Where Cefepime Injection ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #623 of 1,601
#618 Fluticasone Topical 55,053 Rx #619 Darunavir, Cobicistat,... 54,928 Rx #620 Entecavir 54,796 Rx #621 Ivacaftor 53,353 Rx #622 Tadalafil 53,237 Rx #623 Cefepime Injection 52,968 Rx #624 Sulindac 52,720 Rx #625 Leucovorin Injection 52,618 Rx #626 Cefprozil 52,006 Rx #627 Mometasone Nasal Spray 51,854 Rx #628 Elexacaftor, Tezacafto... 51,835 Rx

Utilization by Cefepime Injection product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 2000 mg injection is the most-dispensed Cefepime Injection product — about 77% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

cefepime 2000 MG Injection Most dispensed

40,842 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 77% of Cefepime Injection prescriptions shown $4.8M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $118 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 28 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665088

cefepime 1000 MG Injection

12,126 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 23% of Cefepime Injection prescriptions shown $543,983 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $45 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 28 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665093

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Cefepime Injection, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 22 of 56 listed Cefepime Injection NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Cefepime Injection products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Cefepime Injection — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 27 of 27 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 27 Cefepime Injection NDCs →

Cefepime Injection recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Cefepime recalls since July 2021.

✅No Cefepime recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Cefepime Injection RxCUI 20481 2 dose forms · 4 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 2058952 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/ML RxCUI 2058953
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Injection RxCUI 1665087 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 500 MG RxCUI 1665097 1000 MG RxCUI 1665093 2000 MG RxCUI 1665088

Look up RxCUI 20481 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Cefepime Injection costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Aug 12, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Injection, Powder, For Solution · Intramuscular, Intravenous 1 g/20 mL $3.73 each NDC details & price history
Injection, Powder, For Solution · Intramuscular; Intravenous 1 g $3.73 each NDC details & price history
Injection, Powder, For Solution · Intramuscular; Intravenous 1 g/20 mL $3.73 each NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Cefepime Injection brand names

Cefepime Injection is sold under 2 brand names in the FDA directory — Maxipime, Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Maxipime Cefepime Hydrochloride And Dextrose

Who makes Cefepime Injection: manufacturers and labelers

10 companies list Cefepime Injection products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Apotex Corp., Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., WG Critical Care, LLC. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Apotex Corp. 6 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 4 WG Critical Care, LLC 4 Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 3 B. Braun Medical Inc. 2 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 2 Hospira, Inc. 2 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 2 Baxter Healthcare Company 1 Samson Medical Technologies Llc 1

Cefepime Injection drug class (RxNorm)

Cefepime Injection belongs to the Cephalosporin Antibacterial class.

Pharmacologic class Cephalosporin Antibacterial
Drug family (ATC) Fourth-generation cephalosporins

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Cefepime Injection page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jun 25, 2026
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Cefepime Injection.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Cefepime Injection after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
14
Finished products in the current FDA directory
27
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
10
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
10
Linked representative label ⓘ
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Linked label effective
Jun 25, 2026
Composite sections available
24
Linked SPL Set ID
be5f8ca6-7232-423a-a2d5-cccb7abe7921
Linked SPL Document ID
535caad0-ae02-4ceb-b4d1-192222633719
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →