title: Stability and compatibility study of cefepime in comparison with ceftazidime for potential administration by continuous infusion under conditions pertinent to ambulatory treatment of cystic fibrosis patients and to administration in intensive care units.
abstract: Cefepime has been examined for stability, potential liberation of degradation products and compatibility with other drugs under conditions mimicking its potential use by continuous infusion in cystic fibrosis and intensive care patients (5-12% w/v solutions; temperatures from 20 to 37 degrees C; 1 h contact at 25 degrees C with other drugs frequently co-administered by intravenous route to these types of patients). Ceftazidime was used as a comparator based on a previous normative study with this antibiotic for the same indications. Based on a limit of max. 10% degradation, cefepime can be considered stable for a maximum of 24 h at 25 degrees C, but for only approximately 14 h at 30 degrees C, and for <10 h at 37 degrees C. Cefepime released so far unidentified degradation products if maintained at >30 degrees C for >12 h as shown from a marked increase in pH and from the development of a strong red-purple colour. Incompatibilities were observed with erythromycin, propofol, midazolam, phenytoin, piritramide, theophylline, nicardipine, N-acetylcysteine and a concentrated solution of dobutamine. We conclude that: (i) cefepime cannot be used safely by continuous infusion if containers are kept for more than a few hours at 37 degrees C (as will be the case for cystic fibrosis patients if using portable pumps carried under clothes); (ii) caution must be exercised in intensive care patients if the temperature and co-administration of other drugs is not kept under tight control. The nature and safety of the cefepime degradation products need to be studied further.
authors.affiliation: Unité de Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, UCL 73.70 avenue E. Mounier 73, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Nariné
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baririan
authors.forename: Hugues
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chanteux
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Viaene
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Servais
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Tulkens
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D000077723:Cefepime; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004344:Drug Incompatibility; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007362:Intensive Care Units
chemical_list: D002511:Cephalosporins; D000077723:Cefepime; D002442:Ceftazidime