COMAT Surgery Practice Test

Cefepime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that is particularly effective against a wide range of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as some gram-positive organisms. This makes it a versatile choice in treating various types of infections.

The most appropriate use for cefepime is in complicated skin and skin structure infections, where it can target the polymicrobial flora often associated with such infections. It is especially useful in hospital settings where resistant organisms may be more prevalent. Cefepime’s pharmaceutical profile allows it to penetrate well into tissues, making it an effective treatment for infections involving skin and soft tissues.

While cefepime can also be used for other types of infections such as respiratory and urinary tract infections, and it possesses no activity against viral infections, its primary indication includes serious skin and skin structure infections. Therefore, it is essential to understand the broader spectrum of infections for which cefepime is often chosen, with a notable emphasis on skin-related issues.