cefoxitin (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatricGeriatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

powder for injection

  • 1g
  • 2g
  • 10g

Uncomplicated Infections

1 g IV q6-8hr; 3-4 g/day maximum

Moderate-Severe Infections

1 g IV q4hr or 2 g IV q6-8hr; 6-8 g/day maximum

Gas Gangrene

Infections commonly requiring antibiotics in higher dosage

2 g IV q4hr or 3 g IV q6hr; 12 g/day maximum

Surgery Prophylaxis

Prevention of infection

Colorectal, non-perforated appendectomy, hysterectomy: 1-2 g IV

Ruptured viscus: 1-2 g IV q6hr

Renal Impairment

CrCl 30-50 mL/min: 1-2 g q8-12hr

CrCl 10-30 mL/min: 1-2 g q12-24hr

CrCl 5-9 mL/min: 500 mg-1 g q24-28hr

CrCl <5 mL/min: 500 mg-1 g q24-48hr

Other Indications & Uses

Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Enterobacter, E. coli, H. influenzae, Klebsiella spp., Peptococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Proteus mirabilis, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

Dosage Forms & Strengths

powder for injection

  • 1g
  • 2g
  • 10g

Infections

<3 months old: Safety & efficacy not established

>3 months old: 80-160 mg/kg/day IV divided q4-6hr; higher dosages should be used for more severe or serious infections  

Surgery Prophylaxis

Prevention of infection

30-40 mg/kg 30-60 minutes before surgery  

30-40 mg/kg q6hr for 24 hours afterwards

Renal Impairment

Adjust similar to adult adjustment

Uncomplicated infections

1 g IV q6-8hr; 3-4 g/day maximum

Moderate-severe infections

1 g IV q4hr or 2 g IV q6-8hr; 6-8 g/day maximum

Gas gangrene

Infections commonly requiring antibiotics in higher dosage

2 g IV q4hr or 3 g IV q6hr; 12 g/day maximum

Surgery prophylaxis

Prevention of infection

Colorectal, non-perforated appendectomy, hysterectomy: 1-2 g IV

Ruptured viscus: 1-2 g IV q6hr

Next:

Interactions

Interaction Checker

and cefoxitin

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (10)

              • argatroban

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of argatroban by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • BCG vaccine live

                cefoxitin decreases effects of BCG vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Wait until Abx Tx complete to administer live bacterial vaccine.

              • bivalirudin

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of bivalirudin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • chloramphenicol

                chloramphenicol decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • cholera vaccine

                cefoxitin, cholera vaccine. pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of cholera vaccine with systemic antibiotics since these agents may be active against the vaccine strain. Do not administer cholera vaccine to patients who have received oral or parenteral antibiotics within 14 days prior to vaccination.

              • dalteparin

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of dalteparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • enoxaparin

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of enoxaparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • fondaparinux

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of fondaparinux by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • heparin

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of heparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity

              • microbiota oral

                cefoxitin decreases effects of microbiota oral by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Microbiota oral contains bacterial spores. Antibacterial agents may decrease efficacy if coadministered. Complete antibiotic regimens 2-4 days before initiating microbiota oral. .

              Monitor Closely (17)

              • azithromycin

                azithromycin decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • aztreonam

                cefoxitin decreases effects of aztreonam by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Increase in production of beta-lactamases by cefoxitin can inactivate aztreonam.

              • bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens

                cefoxitin will decrease the level or effect of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • clarithromycin

                clarithromycin decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • demeclocycline

                demeclocycline decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • dienogest/estradiol valerate

                cefoxitin will decrease the level or effect of dienogest/estradiol valerate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. An alternate or additional form of birth control may be advisable during concomitant use.

              • doxycycline

                doxycycline decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • erythromycin base

                erythromycin base decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • erythromycin ethylsuccinate

                erythromycin ethylsuccinate decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • erythromycin lactobionate

                erythromycin lactobionate decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • erythromycin stearate

                erythromycin stearate decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • minocycline

                minocycline decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • probenecid

                probenecid will increase the level or effect of cefoxitin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid

                cefoxitin decreases effects of sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid by altering metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration with antibiotics decreases efficacy by altering colonic bacterial flora needed to convert sodium picosulfate to active drug.

              • tetracycline

                tetracycline decreases effects of cefoxitin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.

              • voclosporin

                voclosporin, cefoxitin. Either increases toxicity of the other by nephrotoxicity and/or ototoxicity. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity may increase the risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity.

              • warfarin

                cefoxitin increases effects of warfarin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              Minor (3)

              • choline magnesium trisalicylate

                cefoxitin will increase the level or effect of choline magnesium trisalicylate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • furosemide

                cefoxitin increases toxicity of furosemide by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

              • rose hips

                rose hips will increase the level or effect of cefoxitin by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              Previous
              Next:

              Adverse Effects

              1-10%

              Diarrhea

              <1%

              Anemia

              Eosinophilia

              Transient leukopenia

              Thrombocytopenia

              SCr & BUN increased

              Elevated LFT's

              Previous
              Next:

              Warnings

              Contraindications (additional)

              Documented hypersensitivity

              Neonate (<3 mo)

              Cautions

              Adjust dose in severe renal insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections, and promotion of non-susceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated therapy

              Previous
              Next:

              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy

              Available data from published prospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports with cephalosporin use in pregnant women have not established drug- associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

              Maternal gonorrhea may be associated with preterm birth, low neonatal birth weight, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age and premature rupture of membranes; perinatal transmission of gonorrhea to offspring can result in infant blindness, joint infections, and bloodstream infections

              Animal data

              • No adverse developmental effects observed in pregnant rats and mice administered parenteral doses of cefoxitin at approximately 1- 7.5 times maximum recommended human dose

              Lactation

              Limited data from published literature report presence of drug in human milk

              For an infant fed exclusively with human milk, estimated infant daily dose through breastfeeding is less than 0.1% of maternal daily IV dose

              Minimal data available on effects of drug on breastfed infant; none of these reports suggest serious safety concerns

              No data are available on effects of drug on milk production; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for cefoxitin and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from drug or from underlying maternal condition

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

              Previous
              Next:

              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Second-generation cephalosporin with activity against some gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rod infections, and anaerobic bacteria. Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins; inhibits final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, resulting in cell wall death

              Pharmacokinetics

              Half-Life: 45-60 min

              Peak Plasma Time: 20-30 min (IM); within 5 min (IV)

              Protein Bound: 65-79%

              Distribution: Widely distributed to body tissues & fluids, including pleural, synovial, ascitic fluid, bile, poor CSF penetration

              Excretion: Unchanged in urine (85%)

              Previous
              Next:

              Administration

              IV Incompatibilities

              Additive: ranitidine

              Y-site: cisatracurium(?, comp at low cisatra conc [0.1 mg/mL]), fenoldopam, filgrastim, gatifloxacin, hetastarch, pentamidine, vancomycin(?)

              IV Compatibilities

              Solution: compatible w/ most common solvents

              Additive: amikacin, aztreonam, cimetidine, clindamycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, metronidazole, metronidazole w/ NaHCO3, multivitamins, NaHCO3, tobramycin, verapamil, Vit B/C

              Syringe: heparin

              Y-site (partial list): acyclovir, amphotericin B cholesteryl SO4, aztreonam, diltiazem, fluconazole, linezolid, MgSO4, morphine sulfate, ondansetron, propofol

              IV Preparation

              Intermittent IV: reconstitute 1or 2 g w/ 10-20 mL SWI

              Continuous infusion: add reconstituted soln to D5W or NS

              IM Preparation

              Reconstitute by adding 2 mL SWI or 0.5-1% lidocaine HCl injection (without epinephrine) to each g of cefoxitin to obtain an approx 400 mg/mL solution

              IV Administration

              Injection: directly into a vein over 3-5-min or slowly into tubing of a compatible IV infusion solution

              IM Administration

              Deep into a large muscle (eg, upper outer quadrant of gluteus maximus)

              Previous
              Next:

              Images

              BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              10 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              2 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              10 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              2 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              2 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              10 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              2 gram vial
              cefoxitin intravenous
              -
              1 gram vial

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

              Previous
              Next:

              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              cefoxitin intravenous

              CEFOXITIN - INJECTION

              (sef-OX-i-tin)

              COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mefoxin

              USES: Cefoxitin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It may also be used before and during certain surgeries to help prevent infection. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

              HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Swelling, redness, pain, or soreness at the injection site may occur. This medication may also rarely cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dark urine, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, seizures, unusual weakness, yellowing eyes/skin, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Before using cefoxitin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other cephalosporins; or to penicillins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal diseases (such as colitis).Cefoxitin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using cefoxitin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (such as Coombs' test, urine glucose tests, serum or urine creatinine tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing, seizures.

              NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, kidney function) may be done while you are using this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              MISSED DOSE: It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

              STORAGE: Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

              Information last revised March 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

              Previous
              Next:

              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

              Adding plans allows you to:

              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
              • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
              Additional Offers
              Email to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Email Forms to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Previous
              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.