What is the dose of Fetroja (cefiderocol) for a patient with a creatinine clearance rate (CRCL) of 26 mL/min?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: January 25, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Fetroja Dosing for CrCl 26 mL/min

For a patient with CrCl 26 mL/min, the recommended dose of Fetroja (cefiderocol) is 1 gram intravenously every 8 hours, infused over 3 hours. 1

Dosing Rationale

The FDA label explicitly specifies that patients with CrCl 15-29 mL/min require dose reduction to 1 gram every 8 hours over 3-hour infusion. 1 This patient with CrCl 26 mL/min falls directly within this renal function category and requires this specific dose adjustment.

Key Dosing Parameters by Renal Function

  • CrCl 30-59 mL/min: 1.5 grams every 8 hours over 3 hours 1
  • CrCl 15-29 mL/min: 1 gram every 8 hours over 3 hours 1
  • CrCl <15 mL/min (with or without hemodialysis): 0.75 grams every 12 hours over 3 hours 1

Critical Clinical Considerations

Creatinine clearance must be calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, as this is the method specified in the FDA labeling for dose adjustment decisions. 1

For patients with fluctuating renal function, the FDA label recommends monitoring CrCl and adjusting dosage accordingly. 1 This is particularly important in critically ill patients where renal function may change rapidly.

Pharmacokinetic Basis for Dose Adjustment

  • Cefiderocol is primarily renally eliminated (61-71% excreted unchanged), making dose adjustment essential in renal impairment. 2
  • Renal impairment significantly impacts AUC and half-life without affecting Cmax, supporting the need for dose reduction rather than interval extension alone. 3
  • In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl 15-29 mL/min), the AUC increases approximately 2.5-fold compared to normal renal function. 3

Treatment Duration and Monitoring

The recommended duration of treatment is 7-14 days, guided by the patient's clinical status. 1

Population pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrate that the percentage of time free drug concentrations exceed the MIC (%fT>MIC) was 100% in most patients at recommended doses, supporting adequate exposure even with renal dose adjustments. 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not use standard 2 gram every 8 hours dosing in patients with CrCl <60 mL/min, as this will result in drug accumulation and potential toxicity. 1
  • Do not estimate renal function using methods other than Cockcroft-Gault, as the FDA dosing table is specifically based on this calculation method. 1
  • Do not shorten the 3-hour infusion time, as this is the validated infusion duration for achieving optimal pharmacodynamic targets. 1
  • If the patient requires hemodialysis in the future, remember that cefiderocol is removed by dialysis (approximately 60% removed during 3-4 hour session), and dosing should be administered immediately after HD completion. 1, 3

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.