indication

For the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains microorganisms.

pharmacology

Cefoxitin is a cephamycin antibiotic often grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins. It is active against a broad range of gram-negative bacteria including anaerobes. The methoxy group in the 7a position provides cefoxitin with a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative bacteria.

mechanism of action

The bactericidal action of cefoxitin results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis.

toxicity

The acute intravenous LD50 in the adult female mouse and rabbit was about 8.0 g/kg and greater than 1.0 g/kg, respectively. The acute intraperitoneal LD50 in the adult rat was greater than 10.0 g/kg.

biotransformation

Minimal (approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period).

half life

The half-life after an intravenous dose is 41 to 59 minutes.

route of elimination

Approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period, resulting in high urinary concentrations. Cefoxitin passes into pleural and joint fluids and is detectable in antibacterial concentrations in bile.

drug interactions

Acenocoumarol: The cephalosporin, cefoxitin, may increase the anticoagulant effect of acenocoumarol.

Amikacin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Anisindione: The cephalosporin, cefoxitin, may increase the anticoagulant effect of anisindione.

Dicumarol: The cephalosporin, cefoxitin, may increase the anticoagulant effect of dicumarol.

Gentamicin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Kanamycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Neomycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Netilmicin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Probenecid: Probenecid may increase the serum level of cefoxitin.

Streptomycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Tobramycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Warfarin: The cephalosporin, cefoxitin, may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.