Drugs

Cefoxitin : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Cefoxitin : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Cefoxitin is an second generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used for treating bacterial infections or preventing bacterial infections before, during, or after certain surgeries.
Dose : 1-10 g ; 1-2 g/50 mL
Route : IV
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 41-59 min.
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : ?
Plasma protein binding : ?
Metabolism : Minimal
Pregnancy risk category : B
Chemical formula : C16H17N3O7S2
IUPAC name : (6S,7R)-3-(carbamoyloxymethyl)-7-methoxy-8-oxo-7-[(2-thiophen-2-ylacetyl)amino]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Mefoxin
Antibacterial spectrum : Cefoxitin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria :

  • Gram-positive bacteria : Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Staph. epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Strep. agalactiae, Strep. pneumoniae, Strep. pyogenes
  • Gram-negative bacteria : Escherichia coli, H. influenzae, Klebsiella spp., Morganella morganii, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia spp.
  • Anaerobic bacteria : Clostridium spp., Peptococcus niger, Peptostreptococcus spp., Bacteroides spp.

Therapeutic uses : Cefoxitin is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms such as :

  • Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and lung abscess.
  • Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess.
  • Urinary tract infections.
  • Gynecological infections, including endometritis, pelvic cellulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
  • Bone and joint infections.
  • Skin and skin structure infections.

Mechanism of action : Cephalosporins cause inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. i.e. they have the same mechanism of action as penicillin. However, they bind to different proteins than those which bind penicillins.
Side effects : Cephalosporins are generally well tolerated, but are more toxic than penicillin. Cefoxitin may exhibit following side effects :

  • Local tenderness or pain at the site of injection
  • Mild diarrhea, mild nausea
  • Headache,
  • Loss of appetite,
  • Vaginal discharge and itching,
  • Changes in skin color,
  • Swelling of the foot or leg,
  • Tenderness.

Drug Interactions : Cefoxitin may interact with following drugs :

  • Cholera vaccine, live

Contraindications :

  • Contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to Cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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