Cefepime

The Basics

What is Cefepime?

Used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.

Brand names for Cefepime

Maxipime

How Cefepime is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins

Cefepime During Pregnancy

Cefepime pregnancy category

Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Cefepime while pregnant

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of cefepime use in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefepime was not teratogenic or embryocidal when administered during the period of organogenesis to rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (1.6 times the recommended maximum human dose calculated on a body surface area basis) or to mice at doses up to 1200 mg/kg (approximately equal to the recommended maximum human dose calculated on a body surface area basis) or to rabbits at a dose level of 100 mg/kg (0.3 times the recommended maximum human dose calculated on a body surface area basis).

Taking Cefepime While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefepime?

Although no information is available on the use of cefepime during breastfeeding, the levels in breastmilk appear to be low and cephalosporins are generally not be expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefepime is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Although no information is available on the use of cefepime during breastfeeding, the levels in breastmilk appear to be low and cephalosporins are generally not be expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefepime is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Possible effects of Cefepime on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Cefepime

Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone.