What is Cefoxitin?
Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It has broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Cefoxitin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to their death. Common uses include treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, and gynecological infections.
What is Cefoxitin used for?
Cefoxitin, also known as Mefoxin, is a semi-synthetic cephamycin antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the second-generation cephalosporins class of antibiotics, which are effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
In terms of its mechanism of action, cefoxitin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria, ultimately leading to their death. The drug is typically administered intravenously or orally and has been approved for use in adults and children aged 3 months and above. Cefoxitin’s antibacterial spectrum includes organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and various other pathogens that cause infections.
Key Properties
- Mechanism of action: Inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria
- Administration routes: Intravenous and oral
- Approved age range: Adults and children aged 3 months and above
- Antibacterial spectrum: Effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Cefoxitin side effects
- Allergic reactions (such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing)
- Diarrhea
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Blood clotting problems
- Joint pain or swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Seizures (rarely)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a rare but serious skin disorder)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a rare but serious skin disorder)
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided here is based on general research and may not apply to individual circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any content on this website. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or health routine.