Cefoxitin Sodium

Brand Names: Cefoxitin

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION: CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION, USP contains cefoxitin sodium a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. It is derived from cephalosporin C, which is produced by Cephalosporium Acremonium. It is the sodium salt of 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).

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Pharmacology: Following an intravenous dose of 1 gram, serum concentrations were 110 mcg/mL at 5 minutes, declining to less than 1 mcg/mL at 4 hours. The half-life after an intravenous dose is 41 to 59 minutes. Approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period, resulting in high urinary concentrations. Probenecid slows tubular excretion and produces higher serum levels and increases the duration of measurable serum concentrations. Cefoxitin passes into pleural and joint fluids and is detectable in antibacterial concentrations in bile. In a published study of geriatric patients ranging in age from 64 to 88 years with normal renal function for their age (creatinine clearance ranging from 31.5 to 174.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Treatment: CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION, USP is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below. (1) Lower respiratory tract infections , including pneumonia and lung abscess, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , other streptococci (excluding enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis ]), Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae, and Bacteroides species.

Common Doses

  • 100 mL
  • 160 mg
  • 40 mg
  • 10 mL

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Treatment: Adults: The usual adult dosage range is 1 gram to 2 grams every 6 to 8 hours. Dosage should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of infection, and the condition of the patient (see Table 1 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.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS: CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS: 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.

Interactions

  • Drug Interactions: Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.