CEFEPIME

Cefepime is a potent, broad-spectrum, fourth-generation cephalosporin with enhanced activity against most gram-positive aerobic bacterial pa thogens and many gram-negative aerobic bacteria that are resistant to other cephalosporins. The drug's zwitterionic structure contributes to more rapid penetration of gram-negative bacterial cell membranes, and its low affinity for most type I beta-lactamases leads to significant ly reduced enzymatic degradation compared with other cephalosporins. C efepime has a good toxicity profile, with minor gastrointestinal and c entral nervous system symptoms being most prevalent. At dosages rangin g from 1-2 g every 8-12 hours, it is an alternative option for infecti ons of the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin and skin s tructures, as well as febrile episodes in neutropenic patients with ca ncer, and bacteremia or septicemia in critically ill patients.