Cefepime 1 g/50mL Injection, Solution
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Cephalosporin Antibacterial class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Cefepime injection is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Cefepime injection is also used to treat patients who have fever and are at high risk for infection because they have a low number of white blood cells. Cefepime injection is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics such as cefepime injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- 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 bloodst...
- Why am I getting cefepime through an IV instead of just taking an antibiotic pill?
- 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. Wh...
- What side effects should I actually expect, and which ones mean I should speak up right away?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Cefepime — tap one for details:
Cefepime may be associated with lower levels of 7 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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1.03 g / 50 mL
UNII 5SL0G7R0OK
A simple sugar made from corn or other plants, used in medicines as a filler and sweetener. It helps create the right texture and taste in tablets, powders, and liquid formulations.
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725 mg / 50 mL
UNII 94ZLA3W45F
Arginine is an amino acid used in medicines as a buffer and pH adjuster. It helps maintain the proper acidity level and stability of liquid formulations.
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UNII QTT17582CB
A strong acid used to adjust and maintain the proper pH level in liquid medicines, ensuring stability and preventing breakdown of active ingredients.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
4 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.5615 | $673.80 / 1200 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $5.37 | $6,442.92 / 1200 ml |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J0701 | $6.027 / J0701 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cefepime 1 g/50mLthis 00338-1301-41 | Baxter | 50 ml | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
The FDA lists approved generic versions of this medicine, but that does not always mean a pharmacy can get one today. Patent rules, launch agreements, supply and pricing can affect when generics actually arrive.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00338-1301-41 You're viewing this | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (0338-1301-41) / 50 mL in 1 BAG | 2008-08-05 | Active |
| 00338-1301-48 | 12 BAG in 1 BOX (0338-1301-48) / 100 mL in 1 BAG | 2008-08-05 | Active |
This pack accounts for about 11% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to a different pack size. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 00338-1301-41?
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🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cefepime Injection is a cephalosporin antibacterial indicated in the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms: pneumonia ( 1.1 ); empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients ( 1.2 ); uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections ( 1.3 ); uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections ( 1.4 ); and complicated intra-abdominal infections (used in combination with metronidazole) ( 1.5 ). To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefepime Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefepime Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
( 1.6 )
1.1Pneumonia Cefepime Injection is indicated for pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including cases associated with concurrent bacteremia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Enterobacter species.
1.2Empiric Therapy for Febrile Neutropenic Patients Cefepime Injection as monotherapy is indicated for empiric treatment of febrile neutropenic patients. In patients at high risk for severe infection (including patients with a history of recent bone marrow transplantation, with hypotension at presentation, with an underlying hematologic malignancy, or with severe or prolonged neutropenia), antimicrobial monotherapy may not be appropriate. Insufficient data exist to support the efficacy of cefepime monotherapy in such patients [ see Clinical Studies (14) ].
1.3Uncomplicated and Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (including pyelonephritis) Cefepime Injection is indicated for uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis) caused by Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae, when the infection is severe, or caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis, when the infection is mild to moderate, including cases associated with concurrent bacteremia with these microorganisms.
1.4Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Cefepime Injection is indicated for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes .
1.5Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections Cefepime Injection is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal infections (used in combination with metronidazole) caused by Escherichia coli, viridans group streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter species, or Bacteroides fragilis [see Clinical Studies (14) ].
1.6Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefepime Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefepime Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Dosage in Adults With Creatinine Clearance (CrCL) Greater Than 60 mL/min ( 2.1 ) Site and Type of Infection (Adults) Dose (IV) Frequency Duration (Days) Moderate to Severe Pneumonia For Pseudomonas aeruginosa , use 2 g IV every 8 hours ( 2.1 ) 1-2 g Every 8-12 hours 10 Empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients 2 g Every 8 hours 7 Or until resolution of neutropenia ( 2.1 ) Mild to Moderate Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 0.5-1 g Every 12 hours 7-10 Severe Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections 2 g Every 12 hours 10 Moderate to Severe Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 2 g Every 12 hours 10 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (used in combination with metronidazole) 2 g Every 8-12 hours 7-10 • 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 ) • Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container should be used only in pediatric patients who require the entire 1 gram or 2 gram dose and not any fraction thereof. ( 2.2 ) • Patients with Renal Impairment: Adjust dose in patients with CrCL less than or equal to 60 mL/min.
( 2.3 ) • Administer intravenously over approximately 30 minutes. ( 2.1 ) • Do not force thaw frozen container by immersion in water baths or by microwave irradiation. ( 2.4 )
2.1Dosage 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 Injection intravenously over approximately 30 minutes. Table 1: Recommended Dosage Schedule for Cefepime Injection in Adult Patients with Creatinine Clearance (CrCL) Greater Than 60 mL/min Site and Type of Infection Dose Frequency Duration (days) Adults Moderate to Severe Pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae , P. aeruginosa For Pseudomonas aeruginosa , use 2 g IV every 8 hours , K. pneumoniae, or Enterobacter species 1-2 g IV Every 8-12 hours 10 Empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients [see Indications and Usage (1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] 2 g IV Every 8 hours 7 or until resolution of neutropenia.
In patients whose fever resolves but who remain neutropenic for more than 7 days, the need for continued antimicrobial therapy should be re-evaluated frequently. Mild to Moderate Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, including pyelonephritis, due to E. coli, K. pneumoniae, or P. mirabilis 0.5-1 g IV Every 12 hours 7-10 Severe Uncomplicated or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, including pyelonephritis, due to E. coli or K. pneumoniae 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Moderate to Severe Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections due to S. aureus or S. pyogenes 2 g IV Every 12 hours 10 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (used in combination with metronidazole) caused by E. coli, viridans group streptococci, P. aeruginosa , K. pneumoniae, Enterobacter species, or B. fragilis . [see Clinical Studies (14) ] 2 g IV Every 8-12 hours 7-10
2.2Pediatric Patients (2 months up to 16 years) The maximum dose for pediatric patients should not exceed the recommended adult dose. The usual recommended dosage in pediatric patients up to 40 kg in weight for durations as given above for adults is: • 50 mg per kg per dose, administered every 12 hours for uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and pneumonia (see below). • For moderate to severe pneumonia due to P. aeruginosa give 50 mg per kg per dose, every 8 hours. • 50 mg per kg per dose, every 8 hours for febrile neutropenic patients.
Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container should be used only in pediatric patients who require the entire 1 or 2 g dose and not any fraction thereof.
2.3 Dosage Adjustments i…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Cefepime Injection is available in the following strengths: • 1 g in 50 mL (contains 1 g of cefepime as Cefepime Hydrochloride, USP) single-dose Galaxy Container • 2 g in 100 mL (contains 2 g of cefepime as Cefepime Hydrochloride, USP) single-dose Galaxy Container • Cefepime Injection: 1 g in 50 mL and 2 g in 100 mL single-dose Galaxy Container. ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Cefepime Injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or the cephalosporin class of antibacterials, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products. • Prior immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs, penicillins, and other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to Cefepime Injection occurs, discontinue the drug. ( 5.1 ) • Neurotoxicity: May occur especially in patients with renal impairment administered unadjusted doses.
If neurotoxicity associated with Cefepime Injection therapy occurs, discontinue the drug. ( 5.2 ) • Clostridioides difficile Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.3 )
5.1Hypersensitivity Reactions Before therapy with Cefepime Injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactams. Exercise caution if this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients because cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been clearly documented and may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy.
If an allergic reaction to Cefepime Injection occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate supportive measures.
5.2Neurotoxicity Serious adverse reactions have been reported including life-threatening or fatal occurrences of the following: encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), aphasia, myoclonus, seizures, and nonconvulsive status epilepticus [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Most cases occurred in patients with renal impairment who did not receive appropriate dosage adjustment. However, some cases of neurotoxicity occurred in patients receiving a dosage adjustment appropriate for their degree of renal impairment.
In the majority of cases, symptoms of neurotoxicity were reversible and resolved after discontinuation of cefepime and/or after hemodialysis. If neurotoxicity associated with cefepime therapy occurs, discontinue cefepime and institute appropriate supportive measures.
5.3Clostridioides difficile Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefepime Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD.
Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
5.4Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing cefepime in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. As with other antimicrobials, prolonged use of cefepime may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential.
Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
5.5Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Urinary Glucose The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when using some methods (e.g. Clinitest tablets) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] . Coombs' Tests Positive direct Coombs’ tests have been re…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1 %) were local reactions positive Coombs’ test, decreased phosphorous, increased ALT and AST, increased PT and PTT and rash. ( 6.1 ) • At the highest dose (2 g every 8 hours), incidence of adverse reactions was ≥1% for rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pruritis, fever, and headache.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Baxter at 1-866-888-2472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials using multiple doses of cefepime, 4137 patients were treated with the recommended dosages of cefepime (500 mg to 2 g intravenously every 12 hours). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity.
Sixty‑four (1.5%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse reactions. Thirty-three (51%) of these 64 patients who discontinued therapy did so because of rash. The percentage of cefepime-treated patients who discontinued study drug because of drug-related adverse reactions was similar at daily doses of 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g every 12 hours (0.8%, 1.1%, and 2%, respectively).
However, the incidence of discontinuation due to rash increased with the higher recommended doses. The following adverse reactions ( Table 3 ) were identified in clinical trials conducted in North America (n=3125 cefepime-treated patients). Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Cefepime Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens Clinical Trials in North America INCIDENCE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 1% Local adverse reactions (3%), including phlebitis (1.3%), pain and/or inflammation (0.6%) Local reactions, irrespective of relationship to cefepime in those patients who received intravenous infusion (n=3048). ; rash (1.1%) INCIDENCE LESS THAN 1% BUT GREATER THAN 0.1% Colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis), diarrhea, erythema, fever, headache, nausea, oral moniliasis, pruritus, urticaria, vaginitis, vomiting, anemia At the higher dose of 2 g every 8 hours, the incidence of adverse reactions was higher among the 795 patients who received this dose of cefepime.
They consisted of rash (4%), diarrhea (3%), nausea (2%), vomiting (1%), pruritus (1%), fever (1%), and headache (1%). The following ( Table 4 ) adverse laboratory changes with cefepime, were seen during clinical trials conducted in North America. Table 4: Adverse Laboratory Changes in Cefepime Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens Clinical Trials in North America INCIDENCE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 1% Positive Coombs’ test (without hemolysis) (16.2%); decreased phosphorus (2.8%); increased Alanine Transaminase (ALT) (2.8%), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) (2.4%), eosinophils (1.7%); abnormal PTT (1.6%), Prothrombin Time (PT) (1.4%) INCIDENCE LESS THAN 1% BUT GREATER THAN 0.1% Increased alkaline phosphatase, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, potassium, total bilirubin; decreased calcium Hypocalcemia was more common among elderly patients.
Clinical consequences from changes in either calcium or phosphorus were not reported. , hematocrit, neutrophils, platelets, White Blood Cells (WBC) A similar safety profile was seen in clinical trials of pediatric patients.
6.2Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Cefepime Injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Aminoglycosides -- increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. ( 7.2 ) • Diuretics -- nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide. ( 7.3 )
7.1Drug/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 [see Warning and Precautions (5.5)] .
7.2Aminoglycosides Renal function should be monitored carefully if high doses of aminoglycosides are to be administered with Cefepime Injection because of the increased potential of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs.
7.3Diuretics Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins with potent diuretics such as furosemide.
🔄 Drug / Laboratory Test Interactions ▾
5.5Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Urinary Glucose The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when using some methods (e.g. Clinitest tablets) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] . Coombs' Tests Positive direct Coombs’ tests have been reported during treatment with cefepime.
In patients who develop hemolytic anemia, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate therapy. Positive Coombs’ test may be observed in newborns whose mothers have received cephalosporin antibacterials before parturition. Prothrombin Time Many cephalosporins, including cefepime, have been associated with a fall in prothrombin activity.
Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antibacterial therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk, and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.
7.1Drug/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 [see Warning and Precautions (5.5)] .
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Geriatric Use – Serious adverse reactions have occurred in geriatric patients with renal impairment given unadjusted doses of cefepime. ( 8.5 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk summary There are no cases of cefepime exposure during pregnancy reported from postmarketing experience or from clinical trials. Available data from published observational studies and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ). Cefepime was not associated with adverse developmental outcomes in rats, mice, or rabbits when administered parenterally during the period of organogenesis.
The doses used in these studies were 1.6 times (rats), approximately equal to (mice) and 0.3 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended clinical dose ( see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from case-control studies and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups.
Animal data Cefepime was not embryocidal and did not cause fetal malformations when administered parenterally during the period of organogenesis to rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, to mice at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day, or to rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day. These doses are 1.6 times (rats), approximately equal to (mice), and 0.3 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended clinical dose based on body surface area.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary Cefepime is present in human milk at low concentration (0.5 mcg/mL). A nursing infant consuming approximately 1000 mL of human milk per day would receive approximately 0.5 mg of cefepime per day. There is no information regarding effects of cefepime on milk production or on the breastfed infant.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for cefepime and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from cefepime or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of cefepime in the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, pneumonia, and as empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients have been established in the age groups 2 months up to 16 years. Use of Cefepime Injection in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of cefepime in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data from pediatric trials [see Clinical Pharmacology (12) ].
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 months have not been established. There are insufficient clinical data to support the use of Cefepime Injection in pediatric patients under 2 months of age or for the treatment of serious infections in the pediatric population where the suspected or proven pathogen is Haemophilus influenzae type b. In those patients in whom meningeal seeding from a distant infection site or in whom meningitis is suspected or documented, an alternate agent with demonstrated clinical efficacy in this setting should be used.
Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container should be used only in pediatric patients who require the entire 1…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk summary There are no cases of cefepime exposure during pregnancy reported from postmarketing experience or from clinical trials. Available data from published observational studies and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ). Cefepime was not associated with adverse developmental outcomes in rats, mice, or rabbits when administered parenterally during the period of organogenesis.
The doses used in these studies were 1.6 times (rats), approximately equal to (mice) and 0.3 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended clinical dose ( see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from case-control studies and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups.
Animal data Cefepime was not embryocidal and did not cause fetal malformations when administered parenterally during the period of organogenesis to rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, to mice at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day, or to rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day. These doses are 1.6 times (rats), approximately equal to (mice), and 0.3 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended clinical dose based on body surface area.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of cefepime in the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, pneumonia, and as empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients have been established in the age groups 2 months up to 16 years. Use of Cefepime Injection in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of cefepime in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data from pediatric trials [see Clinical Pharmacology (12) ].
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 months have not been established. There are insufficient clinical data to support the use of Cefepime Injection in pediatric patients under 2 months of age or for the treatment of serious infections in the pediatric population where the suspected or proven pathogen is Haemophilus influenzae type b. In those patients in whom meningeal seeding from a distant infection site or in whom meningitis is suspected or documented, an alternate agent with demonstrated clinical efficacy in this setting should be used.
Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container should be used only in pediatric patients who require the entire 1 or 2 g dose and not any fraction thereof.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Of the more than 6400 adults treated with cefepime in clinical studies, 35% were 65 years or older while 16% were 75 years or older. When geriatric patients received the usual recommended adult dose, clinical efficacy and safety were comparable to clinical efficacy and safety in nongeriatric adult patients. Serious adverse events have occurred in geriatric patients with renal impairment given unadjusted doses of cefepime, including life-threatening or fatal occurrences of the following: encephalopathy, myoclonus, and seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5) and Adverse Reactions (6) ].
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and renal function should be monitored [see Clinical Pharmacology (12) , Warnings and Precautions (5) , and Dosage and Administration (2) ].
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Patients who receive an overdose should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. In the presence of renal impairment, hemodialysis, not peritoneal dialysis, is recommended to aid in the removal of cefepime from the body. Accidental overdosing has occurred when large doses were given to patients with impaired renal function.
Symptoms of overdose include encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), myoclonus, seizures, and neuromuscular excitability [see Warnings and Precautions (5) , Adverse Reactions (6) , and Dosage and Administration (2) ].
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Cefepime is an antibacterial drug. [See Microbiology (12.4) ]
12.2Pharmacodynamics Similar to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs, the time that the unbound plasma concentration of cefepime exceeds the MIC of the infecting organism has been shown to best correlate with efficacy in animal models of infection. However, the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for cefepime has not been evaluated in patients.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Pharmacokinetic parameters for cefepime in healthy adult male volunteers (n=9) following single 30-minute intravenous infusions of cefepime 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g are summarized in Table 6 . Elimination of cefepime is principally via renal excretion with an average (±SD) half-life of 2 (±0.3) hours and total body clearance of 120 (±8) mL/min in healthy volunteers. Cefepime pharmacokinetics are linear over the range 250 mg to 2 g.
There is no evidence of accumulation in healthy adult male volunteers (n=7) receiving clinically relevant doses for a period of 9 days. Table 6: Mean Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Cefepime (±SD), Intravenous Administration CEFEPIME Parameter 500 mg IV 1 g IV 2 g IV C max , mcg/mL 39.1 (3.5) 81.7 (5.1) 163.9 (25.3) AUC, h•mcg/mL 70.8 (6.7) 148.5 (15.1) 284.8 (30.6) Number of subjects (male) 9 9 9 Distribution The average steady-state volume of distribution of cefepime is 18.0 (±2.0) L. The serum protein binding of cefepime is approximately 20% and is independent of its concentration in serum.
Concentrations of cefepime achieved in specific tissues and body fluids are listed in Table 7 . Table 7: Mean Concentrations of Cefepime in Specific Body Fluids (mcg/mL) or Tissues (mcg/g) Tissue or Fluid Dose/Route # of Patients Mean Time of Sample Post-Dose (h) Mean Concentration Blister Fluid 2 g IV 6 1.5 81.4 mcg/mL Bronchial Mucosa 2 g IV 20 4.8 24.1 mcg/g Sputum 2 g IV 5 4 7.4 mcg/mL Urine 500 mg IV 8 0-4 292 mcg/mL 1 g IV 12 0-4 926 mcg/mL 2 g IV 12 0-4 3120 mcg/mL Bile 2 g IV 26 9.4 17.8 mcg/mL Peritoneal Fluid 2 g IV 19 4.4 18.3 mcg/mL Appendix 2 g IV 31 5.7 5.2 mcg/g Gall Bladder 2 g IV 38 8.9 11.9 mcg/g Prostate 2 g IV 5 1 31.5 mcg/g Data suggest that cefepime does cross the inflamed blood-brain barrier.
The clinical relevance of these data is uncertain at this time. Metabolism and Excretion Cefepime is metabolized to N-methylpyrrolidine (NMP), which is rapidly converted to the N-oxide (NMP-N-oxide). Urinary recovery of unchanged cefepime accounts for approximately 85% of the administered dose.
Less than 1% of the administered dose is recovered from urine as NMP, 6.8% as NMP-N-oxide, and 2.5% as an epimer of cefepime. Because renal excretion is a significant pathway of elimination, patients with renal dysfunction and patients undergoing hemodialysis require dosage adjustment [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. Specific Populations Patients with Renal Impairment Cefepime pharmacokinetics have been investigated in patients with various degrees of renal impairment (n=30).
The average half-life in patients requiring hemodialysis was 13.5 (±2.7) hours and in patients requiring continuous peritoneal dialysis was 19 (±2.0) hours. Cefepime total body clearance decreased proportionally with creatinine clearance in patients with abnormal renal function, which serves as the basis for dosage adjustment recommendations in this group of patients [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. Patients with Hepatic Impairment The pharmacokinetics of cefepime were unaltered in patients with hepatic impairment who received a single 1 g dose (n=11).
Geriatric Patients Cefepime pharmacokinetics have been investigated in elderly (65 years of age and older) men (n=12) and women (n=12) whose mean (SD) creatinine clearance was 74.0 (±15.0) mL/min. There appeared to be a decrease in cefepime total body clearance as a function of creatinine clearance. Therefore, dosage administration of cefepime in the elderly should be adjusted as appropriate if the pat…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Cefepime is an antibacterial drug. [See Microbiology (12.4) ]
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Cefepime Injection is supplied as a frozen, iso-osmotic, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution in 50 mL and 100 mL single-dose Galaxy Containers as follows: 1 g Based on cefepime activity in 50 mL Supplied 24/box NDC 0338-1301-41 2 g in 100 mL Supplied 12/box NDC 0338-1301-48 Store at or below –20°C (-4°F). Handle frozen product containers with care. Product containers may be fragile in the frozen state.
Thaw frozen container at room temperature 25°C (77°F) or under refrigeration 5°C (41°F). Do not force thaw by immersion in water baths or by microwave irradiation. The thawed solution remains stable for 7 days under refrigeration 5°C (41°F) or 24 hours at room temperature 25°C (77°F).
Do not refreeze. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container is a sterile, injectable product consisting of Cefepime Hydrochloride, USP, a semi-synthetic, broad spectrum, cephalosporin antibacterial for parenteral administration. The chemical name is 1-[[(6R,7R)-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl) glyoxylamido]-2-carboxy-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0] oct-2-en-3-yl]methyl]-1-methylpyrrolidinium chloride, 7 2 -(Z)-(O-methyloxime), monohydrochloride, monohydrate, which corresponds to the following structural formula: Cefepime hydrochloride (monohydrate) has a molecular mass of 571.50 and a molecular formula of C 19 H 25 ClN 6 O 5 S 2 •HCl•H 2 O.
Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Container is a frozen, iso-osmotic, sterile, non-pyrogenic premixed solution supplied for intravenous administration in strengths equivalent to 1 g and 2 g of cefepime [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. It contains the equivalent of not less than 90 percent and not more than 115 percent of the labeled amount of cefepime (C 19 H 24 N 6 O 5 S 2 ). The solution is intended for intravenous use after thawing to room temperature.
The components and dosage formulations are given in the table below: Table 5: Cefepime Injection in Galaxy Containers Premixed Frozen Solution Component Cefepime is present in the formulation as Cefepime Hydrochloride, USP. The amounts of Dextrose Hydrous, USP and L-Arginine, USP are approximate. Function Dosage Formulations 1 g in 50 mL 2 g in 100 mL Cefepime active ingredient 1 g 2 g Dextrose Hydrous, USP osmolality adjuster 1.03 g 2.06 g L-Arginine, USP The pH may have been adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or additional L-Arginine, USP.
The pH is 4.0 – 6.0. pH adjuster 725 mg 1.45 g Hydrochloric Acid pH adjuster As needed As needed Water for Injection, USP vehicle q.s. This is an abbreviation for sufficient quantity. 50 mL q.s.
100 mL Cefepime Injection will range in color from colorless to amber. The plastic container is fabricated from a specially designed multilayer plastic. Solutions are in contact with the polyethylene layer of this container and can leach out certain chemical components of the plastic in very small amounts within the expiration period.
The suitability of the plastic has been confirmed in tests in animals according to the USP biological tests for plastic containers, as well as by tissue culture toxicity studies. Structural Formula
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Antibacterial Resistance Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Cefepime Injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Cefepime Injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed.
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Cefepime Injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug.
If this occurs, patients should be instructed to contact their physician as soon as possible. Neurotoxicity Advise patients of neurological adverse events that could occur with Cefepime Injection use. Instruct patients or their caregivers to inform their healthcare provider at once of any neurological signs and symptoms, including encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), aphasia (disturbance of speaking and understanding spoken and written language), myoclonus, seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus, for immediate treatment, dosage adjustment, or discontinuation of Cefepime Injection.