Cefepime+amikacin
About Cefepime+amikacin
Cefepime+amikacin is used to treat severe bacterial infections. It is primarily used in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as hospital-acquired pneumonia (which occurs 48 hours after hospital admission) and community-acquired pneumonia (which occurs outside of a hospital). Also, it is used to treat febrile neutropenia. Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria multiply either inside or on the body. LRTIs are infections of the airways and lungs. Febrile neutropenia is a condition characterized by a low white blood cell count accompanied by fever.
Cefepime+amikacin is a combination of two medicines: Cefepime (a cephalosporin antibiotic) and Amikacin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic). Cefepime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls, while Amikacin works by inhibiting the production of bacterial proteins, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria. Together, these medicines help treat and prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
In some cases, Cefepime+amikacin may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain or inflammation at the injection site. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if these side effects persist.
Before receiving Cefepime+amikacin, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients and to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Also, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any existing health conditions to rule out any potential side effects or interactions. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Cefepime+amikacin, as it may harm the baby. You may feel dizzy after receiving Cefepime+amikacin, so avoid driving until fully alert. Always complete the entire prescribed course of treatment and do not stop abruptly to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.
Uses of Cefepime+amikacin
Medicinal Benefits
Cefepime+amikacin is a combination of antibiotic medications used to treat severe bacterial infections. It is primarily used in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as hospital-acquired (occurs 48 hours or more after hospital admission) and community-acquired (occurs outside of a hospital) pneumonia (lung infection). It is also used to treat febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count with fever). Additionally, Cefepime+amikacin is used to treat skin infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, bone and joint infections, complicated urinary tract infections, stomach infections, abscesses (painful buildup of pus in body tissue or organs), acute bronchitis (inflammation of the breathing tubes), surgical patients with diabetes, traumatic injuries, and sepsis. Cefepime+amikacin contains Cefepime and Amikacin. Cefepime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls, while Amikacin inhibits the production of bacterial proteins. Together, these medicines help kill and prevent the spread of infection-causing bacteria.
Directions for Use
Cefepime+amikacin will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Cefepime+amikacin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pain and inflammation at the injection site
Drug Warnings
Before receiving Cefepime+amikacin, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Also, inform your doctor about any other medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects or interactions. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving this medication. Cefepime+amikacin is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor; the dose and duration may vary depending on the child’s weight and the severity of the infection. You may feel dizzy after receiving Cefepime+amikacin, so avoid driving until fully alert. Cefepime+amikacin should be used cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and myasthenia gravis, as it may worsen muscle weakness. Cefepime+amikacin should also be used cautiously in elderly patients with kidney problems. Always complete the entire prescribed course of treatment and do not stop abruptly to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefepime+amikacin may interact with water pills/diuretics (ethacrynic acid, furosemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have dehydration, neuromuscular disorders (such as Parkinson's disease and myasthenia gravis), colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), ototoxicity (ear dysfunction), and stomach/kidney problems before receiving Cefepime+amikacin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Cefepime+amikacin. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorAminoglycosides may cause fetal harm when used in pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant, please take your doctor's advice before receiving Cefepime+amikacin. Your doctor may prescribe Cefepime+amikacin if the benefits are greater than the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefepime+amikacin should be used cautiously in breastfeeding mothers if prescribed by the doctor.
Driving
cautionCefepime+amikacin may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Therefore, drive or operate machinery only if alert after receiving Cefepime+amikacin.
Liver
safe if prescribedNo dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impaired liver function.
Kidney
cautionCefepime+amikacin should be used cautiously in elderly patients with kidney problems. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with impaired kidney function.
Children
safe if prescribedCefepime+amikacin can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor. Dose adjustment may be required as per the age and weight of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the beneficial bacteria in the stomach that help with digestion. Therefore, you are advised to consume foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto, and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas, and bananas.
- Avoid calcium rich foods, as well as grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and using tobacco.
Special Advise
- Cefepime+amikacin may produce a false-positive result for urine glucose and Coombs test. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefepime+amikacin.
- You are advised to monitor prothrombin time during the treatment with Cefepime+amikacin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs): They affect the airways and lungs. They include conditions like pneumonia (lung infection) and bronchitis (breathing tube inflammation).
Pneumonia: It is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs, leading to fluid/pus buildup.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): It occurs 48 hours or more after hospital admission. Individuals who are using breathing machines (ventilators), commonly found in intensive care units, are at an increased risk of developing this type of pneumonia.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): It occurs outside of a healthcare or nursing facility.
Febrile neutropenia: It is a condition characterised by a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or more for at least an hour, while also having a low white blood cell count of less than 1500 per microliter of blood.
FAQs
Cefepime+amikacin is a combination of antibiotic medications used to treat severe bacterial infections. It is primarily used in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as hospital-acquired (infection occurs 48 hours after hospital admission) and community-acquired (infection occurs outside of a hospital) pneumonia (lung infection). Also, it is used to treat febrile neutropenia.
Cefepime+amikacin is a combination of two medicines: Cefepime (a cephalosporin antibiotic) and Amikacin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic). Cefepime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls. Amikacin works by inhibiting the production of bacterial proteins, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria. Together, these medicines help in treating and preventing the spread of bacterial infections.
Cefepime+amikacin may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain or inflammation at the injection site in some individuals. Most of these side effects will resolve gradually over time and do not require medical attention. However, contact your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Yes, Cefepime+amikacin may cause dizziness. You are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Cefepime+amikacin as it may cause dizziness and can affect vision. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Cefepime+amikacin usually starts working soon after its administration. However, it may take a few days to notice a significant improvement in the symptoms.
Aminoglycosides may cause fetal harm when used in pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant, please take your doctor's advice before receiving Cefepime+amikacin. It should also be used cautiously when administered to a breastfeeding woman. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving this medication.
