What is "cefepime"

n. A cephalosporin antibiotic.

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefepime has an extended spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with greater activity against both types of organism than third-generation agents.

A 2007 meta-analysis suggested when data of trials were combined, mortality was increased in people treated with cefepime compared with other β-lactam antibiotics. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performed their own meta-analysis which found no mortality difference.

Cefepime was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and marketed beginning in 1994. It is now available as a generic drug and sold under a variety of trade names worldwide.