Description
Cefepime+tazobactam belongs to the class of medications called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms of bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected by bacteria.
Cefepime+tazobactam is a combination of two medicines: Cefepime and Tazobactam. Cefepime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It has bactericidal action (kills bacteria). It works by preventing the formation of the cell wall (the outer protective layer of bacteria, which is essential for its survival) by preventing protein synthesis. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It can improve the spectrum of antibacterial action by inhibiting the action of beta-lactamase. Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics (cefotaxime). Cefepime+tazobactam is only used to treat bacterial infections and is not recommended for viral infections.
Cefepime+tazobactam will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. The common side effects of Cefepime+tazobactam are pain and swelling at the injection site and skin rash. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Cefepime+tazobactam if you are allergic to penicillin, any cephalosporin antibiotic, or its contents. Before taking Cefepime+tazobactam, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, especially colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), or use other antibiotics. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop using Cefepime+tazobactam, as it may lead to antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to antibiotics). This medicine is not recommended in children aged less than two years. Cefepime+tazobactam should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people. Cefepime+tazobactam may interact with alcohol. Cefepime+tazobactam may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Cefepime+tazobactam
Cefepime+tazobactam is used in the treatment of various moderate to severe bacterial infections. The detailed uses of Cefepime+tazobactam are as follows: • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Cefepime+tazobactam is effective against uncomplicated and complicated UTIs affecting the bladder (cystitis), ureter (ureteritis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis). • Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Cefepime+tazobactam is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and underlying tissues, such as wounds, abscesses, and cellulitis. • Intra-abdominal Infections: Cefepime+tazobactam helps in treating infections within the abdominal cavity, such as peritonitis and abdominal abscesses. • Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Cefepime+tazobactam is used to treat infections in the airways (bronchitis) and lungs (pneumonia) caused by susceptible bacteria. • Bloodstream Infections: Cefepime+tazobactam is effective in treating sepsis, particularly caused by gram-negative bacteria. • Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenia: Cefepime+tazobactam is given as a first-line treatment in patients with a low neutrophil count and fever (febrile neutropenia), particularly those undergoing chemotherapy.
Medicinal Benefits
Cefepime+tazobactam contains Cefepime and Tazobactam. Cefepime is a cephalosporin antibiotic, whereas Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Cefepime+tazobactam has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It makes the drug effective in multiple moderate to severe bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTI), skin infections, intra-abdominal infections, lower respiratory tract (lung) infections such pneumonia (inflammation of the air sacs present in lungs) and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), septicemia (including infections of the bloodstream), and empiric treatment in febrile neutropenic patients (development of fever in patients with low neutrophil count).
