Does Cefepime Help To Treat Staphylococcus Aureus Infection?

Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 92 yr old mom is on Cefepima following pin removal from fractured elbow do to infection. What type of organism does this treat . She is getting 2 X day thru her IV. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's a broad spectrum antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

cefepime covers various gram positive and negative organisms. I'll mention some: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin sensitive), Streptococcus species, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Haemophilus influenzae, Bacteroides spp.

It is a broad spectrum antibiotic for hospital use only. It is used when susceptible organisms are suspected and more "common" antibiotics are likely ineffective (due to antibiotic resistance).

Her doctors may have culture results, so if you ask them, they might be able to give you a more specific answer.

My best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar