cefoxitin
Cefoxitin (Cefoxitin Sodium) is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat Abscess, Bacteroides Infections, Infectious Bone Diseases, Clostridium Infections.
Cefoxitin Sodium · by Hikma Farmaceutica
Generic of Mefoxin in Dextrose 5% in Plastic Container
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Cefoxitin Sodium
- Drug class
- Cephalosporin Antibacterial
- Form
- Injectable, Powder
- Strength
- Cefoxitin Sodium EQ 10GM BASE/VIAL
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- Manufacturer
- Hikma Farmaceutica
- FDA application
- ANDA065239
What is Cefoxitin?
From the FDA label:Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum cepha antibiotic sealed under nitrogen for intravenous administration. It is derived from cephamycin C, which is produced by Streptomyces lactamdurans. Its chemical name is sodium (6R,7S)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-8-oxo-7-[2-(2-thienyl)acetamido]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate carbamate (ester). The molecular formula is C 16 H 16 N 3 N a O 7 S 2 , and the structural formula is: Cefoxitin for injection contains approximately 53.8 mg (2.3 milliequivalents) of sodium per gram of cefoxitin activity. Solutions of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP range from colorless to light amber in color. The pH of freshly constituted solutions usually ranges from 4.2 to 7.0. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP contains sterile cefoxitin sodium, USP equivalent to 10 grams of cefoxitin. This Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle is a container of sterile preparation for intravenous use that contains many single doses. The contents are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture service and are restricted to the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. AFTER RECONSTITUTION FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION. chemical structure
How to use
Cefoxitin is sold in more than one form (Injectable and Powder), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application ANDA065239 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
The intent of this Pharmacy Bulk Package is for the preparation of solutions for intravenous infusion only. TREATMENT Adults The usual adult dosage range is 1 gram to 2 grams every six to eight hours. Dosage should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of infection, and the condition of the patient (see Table 3 for dosage guidelines). If C. trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added, because cefoxitin sodium has no activity against this organism. Cefoxitin for Injection may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage adjustments: In adults with renal insufficiency, an initial loading dose of 1 gram to 2 grams may be given. After a loading dose, the recommendations for maintenance dosage (Table 4) may be used as a guide. When only the serum creatinine level is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function. Males: Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/100 mL) Females: 0.85 x above value In patients undergoing hemodialysis, the loading dose of 1 gram to 2 grams should be given after each hemodialysis, and the maintenance dose should be given as indicated in Table 4. Antibiotic therapy for group A…
Side effects
Cefoxitin for Injection is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following intravenous injection. Other adverse reactions have been encountered infrequently. Local Reactions Thrombophlebitis has occurred with intravenous administration. Allergic Reactions Rash (including exfoliative dermatitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis), urticaria, flushing, pruritus, eosinophilia, fever, dyspnea, and other allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, interstitial nephritis and angioedema have been noted. Cardiovascular Hypotension. Gastrointestinal Diarrhea, including documented pseudomembranous colitis which can appear during or after antibiotic treatment. Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely. Neuromuscular Possible exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Blood Eosinophilia, leukopenia including granulocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow depression. A positive direct Coombs test may develop in some individuals, especially those with azotemia. Liver Function Transient elevations in SGOT, SGPT, serum LDH, and serum alkaline phosphatase; and jaundice have been reported. Renal Function Elevations in serum creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen levels have been observed. As with the cephalosporins, acute renal failure has been reported rarely. The role of cefoxitin in changes in renal…
Warnings
Important safety information
TlTUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFOXITIN, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLlNS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH CAUTION TO PENICILLlN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefoxitin for Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Who should not take Cefoxitin
Cefoxitin for Injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
The acute intravenous LD 50 in the adult female mouse and rabbit was about 8.0 g/kg and greater than 1.0 g/kg, respectively. The acute intraperitoneal LD 50 in the adult rat was greater than 10.0 g/kg.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Drug class
How this class works, per Cephalosporins - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
- abscess
- bacteroides infections
- infectious bone diseases
- clostridium infections
- escherichia coli infections
- gonorrhea
See how Cefoxitin ranks — best-rated cephalosporin antibacterial for:
Dosage forms
Injectable and Powder
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Cefoxitin treat?
- Cefoxitin (Cefoxitin Sodium) may be used to treat abscess, bacteroides infections, infectious bone diseases, clostridium infections, escherichia coli infections, gonorrhea, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Cefoxitin work?
- Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin antibacterial. Cephalosporins kill bacteria by blocking the proteins they use to build their cell walls. Without an intact wall, the bacterium cannot hold its shape and dies, which clears the infection.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Cefoxitin?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cefoxitin. To pay less, Cefoxitin is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Cefoxitin?
- Cefoxitin is marketed by Hikma Farmaceutica. You can see Hikma Farmaceutica's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Cefoxitin a brand-name or generic drug?
- Cefoxitin is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Cefoxitin Sodium. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Cefoxitin available over the counter?
- No. Cefoxitin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Cefoxitin come in?
- Cefoxitin is currently marketed as injectable and powder, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Cefoxitin?
- Cefoxitin is classified as cephalosporin antibacterial, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Cefoxitin FDA-registered?
- Cefoxitin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA065239. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Cefoxitin safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cefoxitin. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Cefoxitin?
- Cefoxitin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Cefoxitin for Injection is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following intravenous injection. Other adverse reactions have been encountered infrequently. Local Reactions Thrombophlebitis has occurred with intravenous administration.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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