cefoxitin sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
Licensed population
Adults and adolescents; evidence is insufficient for younger children.
Administration
Given into a vein by a healthcare professional as an injection or infusion.
Kidney function
Kidney impairment can substantially delay clearance, so assessment and monitoring are important.
What is cefoxitin sodium used for?
The selected UK product is reserved for infections caused, or suspected to be caused, by susceptible bacteria when more commonly prescribed antibiotics are inappropriate.
Complicated urinary tract infections.
Pyelonephritis, an infection involving the kidney.
How does cefoxitin sodium work?
Cefoxitin disrupts formation of the bacterial cell wall, weakening it and killing susceptible bacteria.
cefoxitin sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1 g, 2 g
How to take cefoxitin sodium
Cefoxitin sodium is not taken by mouth. A healthcare professional reconstitutes the powder and gives it intravenously as an injection or infusion. Food does not affect its administration.
Tell the team about previous reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
Tell the team about kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding and all other medicines.
It must not be mixed in the same syringe or infusion as another antibiotic.
cefoxitin sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea have been reported, but their frequency is not known.
- Rash, itching, hives, fever or a reaction around the intravenous site may occur.
- Monitoring may detect changes in blood counts or liver and kidney tests.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or angioedema, causing swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, which may indicate antibiotic-associated colitis.
- Confusion, altered consciousness, seizures or abnormal movements, especially with kidney impairment or excessive exposure.
- Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling.
- Severe kidney injury or significant blood-cell disorders.
cefoxitin sodium in pregnancy
Clinical experience has not shown evidence of malformation or fetal or newborn toxicity, although epidemiological confirmation is limited. Use during pregnancy requires the prescriber to weigh effective infection treatment against remaining uncertainty.
cefoxitin sodium while breastfeeding
Cefoxitin passes into human milk. The selected UK product advises stopping breastfeeding during administration to avoid possible allergic reactions in the infant. Discuss feeding arrangements with the treating team.
cefoxitin sodium interactions
Tell the clinical team about prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Relevant concerns include:
Oral anticoagulants
Some antibiotics, including certain cephalosporins, can increase anticoagulant activity and contribute to an uncontrolled INR; additional monitoring may be needed.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Concurrent use may increase kidney risk, so renal function should be monitored.
Furosemide or etacrynic acid
These diuretics may add to kidney risk, requiring renal monitoring.
Common questions about cefoxitin sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cefoxitin sodium a penicillin?
No. It is a cephalosporin, although both belong to the beta-lactam antibiotic family.
How is cefoxitin sodium given?
A healthcare professional gives it into a vein as an injection or infusion; it is not taken by mouth.
Can it be given with a penicillin allergy?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.