From Fox News · Angelica Stabile · · 1m 20s
Cefepime study flags a dosing risk
A major review links a common hospital antibiotic to a slightly higher death rate, with dosing emerging as the key concern.
In brief
A major review links a common hospital antibiotic to a slightly higher death rate, with dosing emerging as the key concern. Cefepime is still widely used, but patients with serious infections may need closer dosing and safety monitoring, especially adults with febrile neutropenia. Originally reported by Fox News.
A common drug
Cefepime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in hospitals for pneumonia, UTIs, skin infections and other serious bacterial infections.
“A commonly used drug has been linked to a higher risk of death in a new study.”
The study pool
Researchers reviewed 110 randomized trials with more than 22,000 patients who received cefepime or another beta-lactam antibiotic.
A small gap
Deaths within about 30 days occurred in 6.6% of cefepime patients, compared with 6.2% among those given another antibiotic.
Adults stood out
The mortality link looked stronger in adults than in children, and strongest among patients treated for febrile neutropenia.
Do not stop it
Researchers did not call for cefepime to be pulled. They said more guidance and research are needed to pin down its safety risks.
Dose may matter
Too little cefepime may fail to control infection. Too much can raise the risk of toxic side effects, including confusion, low consciousness or seizures.
Causation is unclear
The review found an association, not proof that cefepime caused more deaths. The trials varied by design, patients, doses and comparison drugs.
“appropriate dosing may be the key”
Here's the gist
Cefepime is still widely used, but patients with serious infections may need closer dosing and safety monitoring, especially adults with febrile neutropenia.
