Cefepime Seizure Risk

On 6/26/2012, the FDA annouced an a risk for seizure when cefepime is not dose-adjusted for renal dysfunction. The Drug Safety Communication announced the increased seizure risk based on on 59 cases of non-convulsive status epilepticus being reported over the six years that cefepime has been available.

56% of these cases involved patients >65 years of age (range: 7-95 years) and 69% of the 59 cases involved female patients. Renal dysfunction was present in 58/59 patients (renal status was unknown in one patient). In 56/59 patients, cefepime dosing was not appropriately adjusted for renal impairment as recommended in the cefepime label.

– FDA Drug Safety Communication

You’ve probably been dose-adjusting cefepime already, this just adds even more data for your support.

cefepime usage

• Pneumonia
• Febrile neutropenia
• Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
• Complicated intra-abdominal infections

Disclaimer

As always, consult your medical provider and/or pharmacist before making any medication changes.  This update in no way constitutes personal medical advice.