The position of recently developed broad-spectrum cephem antibiotics in bacterial septicemia

In-vitro studies with cefpirome or cefepime prove that both agents are highly active against Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci. They possess a broader spectrum of activity than ceftazidime. In clinical trials cefpirome at doses ranging from 1 g to 2 g b.i.d. was compared to ceftazidime at a dose ranging from 1 g to 2 g b.i.d. or 2 g t.i.d. Cefepime at a dose of 2 g b.i.d. was compared to ceftazidime at a dose of 2 g t.i.d. Both cefpirome and cefepime were found to be as effective as ceftazidime in patients with septicemia. These new compounds are a valuable addition to the range of drugs available for empiric treatment of serious bacterial infections.