Cefepime Side Effects- Causes and Effects

By
Frank K. Norman, Pharmacologist
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0

Category: Bacterial Infections

Drug Name: Cefepime

General Usage: To Treat Bacterial Infections

Brief Info about Cefepime in Drug:

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Cefepime is available under a brand name known as Maxipime. Cefepime acts by killing bacteria in our body. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefepime injection is used to cure many types of bacterial infections such as severe/ life-threatening forms.

Cefepime Side Effects Explained Better:

It is rather common to notice adverse effects when we take a particular drug because they can result from the way drug works. It is not mandatory that all people who are consuming this drug will notice these unpleasant effects; chances are fifty percent they may or may not feel them.

Let your doctor know if you are allergic to penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), beta-lactam antibiotics (eg, imipenem), cephalosporins (eg, cephalexin) or any salt/ingredient in Cefepime. People may experience side effects due to following reasons-

Frequent CefepimeSide Effects (Commonly Seen)-

Here are some common side effects-

  • Discharge or vaginal itching
  • Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
  • Pain, swelling, or skin rash where the injection was given
  • Headache
  • Sores or white patches on your lips or inside your mouth
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Mild pain
  • Swelling or redness at the injection site

Get medical help if you are not comfortable with them the sooner the better.

Infrequent Cefepime Side Effects (Professional Point of View)-

These side effects are hardly noticed by few patients while using this drug. These are as follows-

  • Signs of allergic reactions-
    • Tightness in the chest
    • Itching
    • Hives
    • Swelling of the mouth, face, tongue or lips
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Rash
    • Unusual hoarseness
  • Bloody stools
  • Fever
  • Signs of mental or mood changes-
    • Hallucinations
    • Fainting
    • Coma
    • Confusion
  • Blistered, red, swollen, or peeling skin
  • Seizures
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Vaginal discharge or irritation
  • Severe vomiting or nausea
  • Muscle twitching
  • Unusual tiredness
  • White patches in the mouth
  • Redness, severe pain, or swelling at the injection site
  • Stomach cramps/pain
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin

As you feel above listed or some other side effects that are not listed here, you should run to your doctor promptly. This is not the complete list of all severe side effects.

Cefepime Overdose Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)-

Symptoms may include-

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  • Muscle spasms
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Severe mood/mental changes
  • Severe confusion

Get emergency medical attention at the earliest.

Cefepime Drug Interaction Side Effects (Due to Reaction with Other drugs)-

We people are well aware of drug interactions & unpleasant effects caused by this interaction. You should inform your doctor about all medicines that are being consumed by you before you start having this drug.

The risk of unpleasnat effects on the kidneys may be increased if below mentioned drugs are being used by you-

  • Aminoglycosides (such as- gentamicin)
  • Diuretics (such as- furosemide)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur

Cefepime Prolonged Use Side Effects (When Used for Longer Periods)-

It is a well known fact that our body as well as brain becomes totally reliant on a drugs when they are consumed for a long time. You should discuss all possible side effects with your doctor that may occur if Cefepime is used for a long period of time.