From the FDA Drug Label
The safety and effectiveness of cefepime in the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis) have been established
- Cefepime can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), including both uncomplicated and complicated cases, as well as pyelonephritis.
- The safety and effectiveness of cefepime for these conditions have been established in patients aged 2 months to 16 years, based on evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults, with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data from pediatric trials 1.
From the Research
Cefepime can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those caused by resistant organisms or complicated UTIs, as evidenced by a study published in 2024 2.
Key Points to Consider
- Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works well against many bacteria that cause UTIs, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- For uncomplicated UTIs, the typical adult dose is 1-2 grams administered intravenously every 12 hours for 7-10 days, though this may vary based on infection severity and patient factors.
- Cefepime is particularly useful for complicated UTIs or those caused by resistant organisms, as shown in a study from 1996 3.
- It works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins in bacterial cell walls, disrupting cell wall synthesis and causing bacterial cell death.
- This antibiotic is typically reserved for more serious infections or when first-line antibiotics have failed, as it requires intravenous administration and should be used judiciously to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
- Patients should complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescribed regimen.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions, and patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustments.
- A recent study from 2024 2 highlights the importance of understanding the potential side effects of cefepime, including the risk of encephalopathy, especially in patients with underlying conditions.
Important Considerations
- The use of cefepime should be based on the severity of the infection, the susceptibility of the causative organism, and the patient's overall health status.
- As with any antibiotic, the potential for resistance development should be considered, and cefepime should be used judiciously.
- The most recent and highest quality study available should guide the decision to use cefepime for UTI treatment, taking into account the potential benefits and risks, as discussed in the 2024 study 2.