Cefepime Brand Names and Alternative Nomenclature
Cefepime is marketed under several brand names including Maxipime (primary US brand), Maxcef, Cepimax, Cepimex, and Axepim. 1
Primary Brand Name
- Maxipime is the most commonly recognized brand name for cefepime, particularly in the United States and many international markets 1
Alternative Brand Names
- Maxcef - alternative commercial name used in certain markets 1
- Cepimax - another brand designation for cefepime 1
- Cepimex - regional brand name variant 1
- Axepim - additional commercial formulation name 1
Chemical Classification
- Cefepime is classified as a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with parenteral (intravenous/intramuscular) administration 1, 2, 3
- The drug possesses a zwitterionic structure due to a quaternary nitrogen at the 3-position, which distinguishes it from third-generation cephalosporins and contributes to enhanced bacterial cell membrane penetration 3, 4
Clinical Context
- Cefepime's fourth-generation classification reflects its broader spectrum of antibacterial activity compared to third-generation cephalosporins, with enhanced activity against both gram-positive organisms (similar to first/second-generation agents) and gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (similar to ceftazidime) 1, 2, 5
- The drug demonstrates stability against many plasmid- and chromosomally-mediated beta-lactamases and is a poor inducer of AmpC beta-lactamases, making it useful for infections resistant to earlier cephalosporins 1, 2