Antimicrobials
Cefoxitin

Cefoxitin

Medium
N/A

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

HEALTH CANADA APPROVED

  • Treatment of a variety of infections due to susceptible organisms: lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, gynecological, intra-abdominal, skin and skin structures, bone, and joint

COMMON USAGE

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Surgical prophylaxis for gynecologic procedures

May enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin). Monitor therapy.

LOCAL REACTIONS

  • Inflammation at IV site

HYPERSENSITIVITY

  • Rash, pruritus, fever

GASTROINTESTINAL

  • Colitis, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Pseudomembranous colitis has rarely occurred

HEMATOLOGIC

  • Leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, positive direct Coombs

GENITOURINARY

  • Yeast infections, vaginitis

HEPATIC

  • Transient elevations in AST, ALT, LDH and alkaline phosphatase

Can be given IM

Subcutaneous use: no information available at this time

Antimicrobial class: Cephalosporin (Second generation) Antibiotic

Average serum half life: 1.4 hr

CSF penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Good

Urine penetration: Good