The use of cefepime (BMY 28142) to treat respiratory infections.

Cefepime, an aminothiazolyl cephalosporin active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was used at a dose of 1 g every 12 hours to treat respiratory and other infections in 29 patients. All 19 patients from whom an organism was cultured responded clinically and microbiologically. The patients had underlying risk factors of human immune virus positive status, 58%, and chronic lung disease, 19%. Cefepime was well tolerated. Organisms eradicated included Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Further study will define cefepime's role in hospital-acquired respiratory infection.