Cefoxitin for Injection: Indications, Dosing, Safety, and Savings

What Cefoxitin Is and How It Works

Cefoxitin for Injection is a cephamycin antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including intra-abdominal, gynecologic, skin/soft tissue, and bone infections. It is supplied as a sterile powder that is reconstituted for intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection. Many hospital and clinic protocols include cefoxitin for surgical prophylaxis. For patients comparing options, cefoxitin injection without insurance can be significantly more affordable when ordered from a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to expand selection, keep prices affordable, and ensure authentic brand medications where available.

Cefoxitin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis, leading to bacterial death. It is stable against many beta-lactamases and has reliable anaerobic coverage, including Bacteroides fragilis. This makes it useful in polymicrobial infections common in abdominal and pelvic sites. If you are reviewing causes of abdominal pain, our article on The Abdomen Part Iii The Right Lower Quadrant offers helpful context. Typical adult dosing ranges from 1–2 g every 6–8 hours, guided by infection severity and kidney function.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dosing: 1–2 g IV or IM every 6–8 hours. Maximum daily dose is often 12 g.
• Pediatrics: common total daily dose 80–160 mg/kg/day divided every 6–8 hours, not to exceed adult maximum.
• Surgical prophylaxis: a 2 g IV dose is often given before incision; repeat intraoperatively for long procedures per protocol.
• Renal impairment: extend dosing intervals based on creatinine clearance. Prescribers individualize dosing.
• Reconstitution: prepare with the recommended sterile diluent and volumes per the vial strength and label.
• IV administration: inspect the solution; infuse over the recommended time; rotate sites; follow line-care procedures.
• IM administration: inject deep into a large muscle; avoid intravascular injection.
• Missed dose: if a scheduled dose is missed, contact the prescribing clinician or infusion service for instructions.

• Store unopened vials at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place.
• Keep in original packaging to protect from light and track lot and expiry.
• Do not freeze vials. Avoid excessive heat and humidity.
• After reconstitution: follow the product label or pharmacy directions for diluent choice, storage temperature, and beyond-use time.
• Travel: keep vials and supplies together in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription.
• Transport mixed IV bags in an insulated container with cold packs if instructed, and do not allow them to freeze.
• Dispose of needles, syringes, and tubing in an approved sharps container.

Benefits and Savings

Cefoxitin combines broad-spectrum coverage, including robust activity against anaerobes, with flexible IV or IM dosing. It suits intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, and it is widely used for surgical prophylaxis in colorectal and gynecologic procedures. The powder-vial format supports clinic and hospital workflows and can be used in home infusion settings when prescribed.

Buying through Youdrugstore can reduce costs by 60–80% versus typical US prices. If you pay cash or are uninsured, you can still access Canadian pricing. Multi-vial orders for clinics or surgical centers may lower the per-vial cost, and periodic promotions can add extra value. For current offers, see cefoxitin injection coupon options. Reorder reminders are available so you can time future purchases for ongoing clinic needs.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, rash, pruritus.
• Injection-site reactions: pain, swelling, phlebitis with IV lines.
• Laboratory changes: transient increases in liver enzymes, eosinophilia, positive Coombs test.
• Superinfection: overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including yeast.

Serious but less common risks include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, hemolytic anemia, seizures (especially with high doses or renal impairment), and kidney or liver dysfunction. Avoid use in patients with a history of severe immediate hypersensitivity to cefoxitin or other beta-lactams. Cross-reactivity can occur in individuals with serious penicillin allergies.

Onset Time

Clinical improvement often begins within 24–72 hours as bacterial growth is suppressed. Fever, pain, and white blood cell counts may start to improve over the first few days. For deep-seated or complicated infections, full response can take longer and usually requires the complete prescribed course. For surgical prophylaxis, protection begins during the perioperative window when the dose is timed before incision.

Compare With Alternatives

Cefotetan is another cephamycin with similar anaerobic coverage and a longer half-life, which may allow less frequent dosing in some protocols. Selection often depends on local susceptibility patterns, dosing convenience, and formulary status.

Piperacillin/tazobactam offers broad Gram-negative and anaerobic coverage and is common in severe intra-abdominal infections. It requires IV administration and may be reserved for higher-risk cases or resistant organisms based on culture data.

Ceftriaxone paired with metronidazole is a frequently used alternative regimen for mixed intra-abdominal infections. This two-drug approach can be effective where cefoxitin alone is not preferred. Final choice is usually guided by culture results, allergy history, and antimicrobial stewardship policies.

Combination Therapy

• Pelvic inflammatory disease: cefoxitin plus doxycycline is a common regimen; metronidazole may be added when anaerobic coverage is desired by protocol.
• Severe Gram-negative infections: an aminoglycoside may be combined short term for synergy; monitor renal function closely.
• Postoperative care: cefoxitin may be part of a broader perioperative antibiotic plan tailored to procedure type and risk.
• Culture-directed adjustments: narrow or broaden coverage once susceptibilities are known to reduce resistance pressure.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cefoxitin is prescribed for infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is not effective for viruses such as colds or influenza. Caution is advised in patients with a history of severe beta-lactam allergy, prior C. difficile colitis, significant renal impairment (dose adjustments required), or severe hepatic disease. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, prescribers weigh benefits and risks based on infection severity and available alternatives.

To manage costs, order the full prescribed quantity once to avoid partial fills and extra shipping. Clinics can consider bulk cefoxitin injection purchases when allowed, which can reduce the per-unit price. Watch for sales and posted promotions, and use our optional reminders to time future orders for recurring clinic needs. Patients paying out of pocket can still access cefoxitin injection savings at Canadian pricing levels.

Authoritative Sources

FDA/NIH DailyMed: Cefoxitin Sodium for Injection prescribing information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: search Cefoxitin

Hikma product page: Cefoxitin for Injection, USP

Order Cefoxitin for Injection from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice. Always follow the directions from your prescriber and the product label.