Cefepime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefepime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefepime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cefepime or a similar antibiotic such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others. Do not use cefepime if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a penicillin antibiotic.

Before using cefepime, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

Tell your doctor if you are also using any other injected antibiotics, or a diuretic (water pill).

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking cefepime and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cefepime, any type of penicillin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef).

To make sure you can safely use cefepime, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefepime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.