Efepime 500 mg/vial Injection

Fourth-generation cephalosporin injection (broad-spectrum, active against Pseudomonas) for serious infections:

• Moderate to severe pneumonia, including hospital-acquired
• Complicated urinary tract and kidney infections
• Complicated abdominal infections (with metronidazole)
• Skin and soft-tissue infections
• Fever in patients with low white cell counts (febrile neutropenia)
• Meningitis in children

Adults: 1–2 g IV/IM every 12 hours; severe infections or febrile neutropenia 2 g every 8 hours.

• Mild–moderate urinary infection: 0.5–1 g every 12 hours.

Children (2 months and over, up to 40 kg): 50 mg/kg every 12 hours (every 8 hours for febrile neutropenia/meningitis); maximum adult dose.

Kidney impairment: dose must be reduced (risk of brain toxicity).

• Given only by health professionals.

• Allergy to cefepime or other cephalosporins
• Severe immediate allergy to penicillins or other beta-lactams
• Allergy to L-arginine (an ingredient)

Common: injection-site pain or inflammation, diarrhoea, rash, positive Coombs test, raised liver enzymes.

Less common: nausea, vomiting, headache, thrush.

Rare but serious: neurotoxicity — confusion, myoclonus, seizures, coma (especially if dose is not reduced in kidney impairment); anaphylaxis; C. difficile colitis; low blood counts.

• Adjust dose to kidney function, especially in the elderly.
• Stop and seek help if confusion or twitching develops.
• Ask about beta-lactam allergy.

Considered safe in pregnancy when needed. Small amounts in breast milk; generally compatible.

• Aminoglycosides, loop diuretics (kidney/hearing toxicity — monitor)
• Probenecid (raises levels)

Encephalopathy, myoclonus, seizures, particularly in kidney failure. Haemodialysis helps.

Store powder below 30°C, protected from light. Use the reconstituted solution as directed in the leaflet.