From the FDA Drug Label
CONTRAINDICATIONS Cefepime for injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Yes, a patient with a hypersensitivity to sodium (salt) can safely receive Cefepime. Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that does not contain sodium chloride (table salt) as an active ingredient. While the intravenous formulation of Cefepime does contain some sodium (approximately 54 mg per gram of Cefepime), this is present as a buffer rather than as salt per se. True salt allergies are extremely rare, and what patients often describe as "salt allergies" are typically either sodium-sensitive conditions (like hypertension or heart failure) or reactions to additives in processed foods rather than to sodium chloride itself. If the patient has a documented true allergy to sodium chloride, which would be highly unusual, the small amount of sodium in Cefepime is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. However, if the patient has severe sodium restrictions due to medical conditions, the healthcare provider should consider the sodium content of the medication in the overall treatment plan. The standard dosing for Cefepime ranges from 1-2 grams every 8-12 hours depending on the infection being treated and should be adjusted for renal function, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2. It's also worth noting that, according to 3, many patients report allergies to β-lactam antibiotics, but clinically significant reactions are uncommon, and cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporins is lower than previously reported. Therefore, the use of Cefepime in patients with a hypersensitivity to sodium is generally safe, but should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's individual medical history and conditions. Key points to consider include:
- The rarity of true salt allergies
- The presence of sodium in Cefepime as a buffer rather than as salt per se
- The importance of considering the patient's individual medical history and conditions
- The need to adjust the standard dosing for Cefepime based on renal function and the infection being treated.