Common hospital antibiotic linked to higher death risk, new study finds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A common hospital antibiotic is drawing new attention after a large study found a possible link between the drug and a slightly higher chance of death than similar antibiotics. The drug is called cefepime. It is given through an IV and is often used to treat serious bacterial infections, including pneumonia, certain urinary tract infections and infections in patients whose immune systems are weakened. But the new research does not mean cefepime is suddenly unsafe for everyone, or that patients should stop taking it. The study, published Sept.

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WilluChill News DeskNashville, Tennessee · Published Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 12:09 PM UTCUpdated Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9:38 PM UTC

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Across the studies, 6.6% of patients given cefepime died, compared with 6.2% of patients given another similar antibiotic. In other words, researchers found a possible warning sign — not a final answer about exactly why the difference appeared or which patients may face the greatest risk.

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