Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Maxipime

Generic Name: cefepime (Pronunciation: SEF e peem)

What is cefepime (Maxipime)?

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.

What are the possible side effects of cefepime (Maxipime)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

confusion, hallucinations, or seizure (black-out or convulsions);
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

pain, swelling, or skin rash where the injection was given;
stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
headache;
skin rash or itching;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about cefepime (Maxipime)?

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.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using cefepime (Maxipime)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.