study on acute and sub-acute toxicity of cefepime in mice

ABSTRACT

Cefepime is a fourth generation cephalosporin used mainly for treatment of lower respiratory tract, intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections In this study, acute toxicity of cefepime was done in mice and LD5O was calculated .Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated in mice by daily intraperitoneal administration of cefepime for 14 days in a dose equal to 500mg/kg. Kidney functions [blood urea and serum creatinine levels] and liver enzyme [serum ALT level] were estimated at the end of 14 days and after stoppage of cefepime by 2 weeks. Histopathological studies of livers and kidneys were done at the same previous periods. It was concluded that LD50 of cefepime in mice was equal to 6250 mg/kg by intraperitoneal route .Cefepime 500mg/kg, was well tolerated in mice with 100% survival rate. Mild transient elevations of ALT, urea and creatinine had occurred after treatment for 14 days. Minor histopathological changes had occurred in livers and kidneys