From the Guidelines
Cefepime is recommended as an alternative treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in severe inpatient cases where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is suspected, with a typical dosage of 2g IV every 8 hours. According to the 2019 American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines 1, cefepime is listed as an option for severe inpatient CAP cases, particularly when Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a concern. The guidelines suggest that cefepime can be used in combination with other antibiotics, such as a macrolide or fluoroquinolone, to provide broad-spectrum coverage. However, it is essential to note that cefepime is generally reserved for cases where its broad gram-negative coverage is necessary, and its use should be guided by local microbiological data and patient-specific factors.
Some key points to consider when using cefepime for CAP include:
- The typical dosage is 2g IV every 8 hours, with adjustments needed for renal impairment
- Cefepime should be used in combination with other antibiotics, such as a macrolide or fluoroquinolone, to provide broad-spectrum coverage
- Treatment should be narrowed based on culture results whenever possible to promote antimicrobial stewardship
- Cefepime is generally reserved for severe inpatient CAP cases where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is suspected, and its use should be guided by local microbiological data and patient-specific factors, as outlined in the 2019 guidelines 1.
It is crucial to prioritize antimicrobial stewardship and use cefepime judiciously to minimize the risk of antimicrobial resistance. By following the guidelines and using cefepime appropriately, healthcare providers can optimize treatment outcomes for patients with CAP while promoting responsible use of antibiotics.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefepime for injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms ... Pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including cases associated with concurrent bacteremia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellapneumoniae, or Enterobacter species.
The treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with Cefepime is Cefepime for injection, USP, which is indicated for the treatment of pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellapneumoniae, or Enterobacter species 2.
- The drug is effective against moderate to severe pneumonia.
- It is effective against specific microorganisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellapneumoniae, and Enterobacter species.
From the Research
Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) with Cefepime
- Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The recommended dose of cefepime for the treatment of CAP is 1-2 g every 12 hours, administered intravenously 3, 4, 6.
- Cefepime has been compared to other antibiotics, such as ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, and has been shown to have comparable safety and efficacy in the treatment of CAP 5, 6.
- The clinical efficacy of cefepime in the treatment of CAP has been demonstrated in several studies, with cure rates ranging from 87-95% 3, 5, 6.
- Cefepime has also been shown to be effective against a range of pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus 3, 5, 6.
Safety and Tolerability
- Cefepime has been shown to be well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of other parenteral cephalosporins 4, 5, 6.
- The most common adverse events associated with cefepime are mild to moderate and reversible, and include rash, diarrhea, and nausea 4.
- Cefepime has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with renal impairment, with dose adjustments recommended based on renal function 3, 4.