Seizure Risk for Cefepime if not Dose Adjusted
Archival post from 2012, preserved for continuity with prior inbound links. It does not reflect current clinical practice or technical guidance.
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.You've probably been dose-adjusting cefepime already, this just adds even more data for your support.
- FDA Drug Safety Communication
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.