Maxipime ADD-Vantage

Generic Name: cefepime (SEF e peem)

Brand Names: Maxipime

What is Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

Cefepime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefepime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefepime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cefepime or a similar antibiotic such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others. Do not use cefepime if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a penicillin antibiotic.

Before using cefepime, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

Tell your doctor if you are also using any other injected antibiotics, or a diuretic (water pill).

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking cefepime and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cefepime, any type of penicillin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

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  cefaclor (Raniclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefazolin (Ancef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefpodoxime (Vantin);

  
  


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  cefprozil (Cefzil);

  
  


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  ceftibuten (Cedax);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex); or

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef).

  
  

To make sure you can safely use cefepime, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease; or

  
  


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  a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

  
  

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefepime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

Cefepime is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, syringes, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Cefepime must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefepime.

Store unopened cefepime dry powder at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. After mixing cefepime with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 7 days. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, restless feeling, muscle stiffness, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking cefepime and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  confusion, hallucinations, or seizure (black-out or convulsions);

  
  


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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

  
  


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  sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  pain, swelling, or skin rash where the injection was given;

  
  


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  stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  skin rash or itching;

  
  


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  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Maxipime ADD-Vantage (cefepime)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  an antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi); or

  
  


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  a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with cefepime. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Maxipime ADD-Vantage resources

• Maxipime ADD-Vantage Side Effects (in more detail)
• Maxipime ADD-Vantage Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Maxipime ADD-Vantage Drug Interactions
• Maxipime ADD-Vantage Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Maxipime - Add your own review/rating

• Cefepime Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cefepime MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• cefepime Injection Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cefepime Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cefepime Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Maxipime Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Maxipime ADD-Vantage with other medications

• Bacteremia
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Intraabdominal Infection
• Kidney Infections
• Nosocomial Pneumonia
• Pneumonia
• Skin and Structure Infection
• Skin Infection
• Urinary Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefepime.

See also: Maxipime side effects (in more detail)