On this page

Cefoxitin

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Cefoxitin
Generic name
Cefoxitin
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
WG Critical Care, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
4
NDC product codes
10
Packages
12
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Cefoxitin Sodium 1 g/1 309072 View
Cefoxitin Sodium 10 g/1 309072 View
Cefoxitin Sodium 100 g/1 309072 View
Cefoxitin Sodium 2 g/1 309072 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
22

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cephalosporin Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 41 members
Cephalosporins [CS] CS All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
065414
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
June 12, 2009
Sponsor
ACS DOBFAR
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
2
Products approved under application 065414.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
065414-001 CEFOXITIN INJECTABLE CEFOXITIN SODIUM Prescription AP RS
065414-002 CEFOXITIN INJECTABLE CEFOXITIN SODIUM Prescription AP RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 065414.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved October 31, 2011 —
Original application 1 Approved June 12, 2009 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250303). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250303 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240411 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240103 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20201116

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE – NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

THIS IS A PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE – NOT FOR DIRECT INJECTION

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Treatment Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below. (1) Lower respiratory tract infections , including pneumonia and lung abscess, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , other streptococci (excluding enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis ]), Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae, and Bacteroides species. (2) Urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, Proteus mirabilis , Morganella morganii , Proteus vulgaris and Providencia species (including P. rettgeri ). (3) Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess, caused by Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, Bacteroides species including Bacteroides fragilis , and Clostridium species. (4) Gynecological infections, including endometritis, pelvic cellulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Escherichia coli , Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains), Bacteroides species including B. fragilis , Clostridium species, Peptococcus niger , Peptostreptococcus species, and Streptococcus agalactiae . Cefoxitin for Injection, USP, like cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis . Therefore, when Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and C. trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added. (5) Septicemia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, and Bacteroides species including B. fragilis. (6) Bone and joint infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains). (7) Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococci (excluding enterococci e.g., Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis ]), Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , Klebsiella species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis , Clostridium species, Peptococcus niger , and Peptostreptococcus species. Appropriate culture and susceptibility studies should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the causative organisms to Cefoxitin for Injection, USP. Therapy may be started while awaiting the results of these studies. In randomized comparative studies, Cefoxitin for Injection, USP and cephalothin were comparably safe and effective in the management of infections caused by gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rods susceptible to the cephalosporins. Cefoxitin for Injection, USP has a high degree of stability in the presence of bacterial beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases. Many infections caused by aerobic and anaerobic gram-negative bacteria resistant to some cephalosporins respond to Cefoxitin for Injection, USP. Similarly, many infections caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria resistant to some penicillin antibiotics (ampicillin, carbenicillin, penicillin G) respond to treatment with Cefoxitin for Injection, USP. Many infections caused by mixtures of susceptible aerobic and anaerobic bacteria respond to treatment with Cefoxitin for Injection, USP. Prevention Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is indicated for the prophylaxis of infection in patients undergoing uncontaminated gastrointestinal surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, or cesarean section. If there are signs of infection, specimens for culture should be obtained for identification of the causative organism so that appropriate treatment may be instituted. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefoxitin f …

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The intent of this Pharmacy Bulk Package is for the preparation of solutions for intravenous infusion only. TREATMENT Adults The usual adult dosage range is 1 gram to 2 grams every six to eight hours. Dosage should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of infection, and the condition of the patient (see Table 3 for dosage guidelines). If C. trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added, because cefoxitin sodium has no activity against this organism. Cefoxitin for Injection may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage adjustments: In adults with renal insufficiency, an initial loading dose of 1 gram to 2 grams may be given. After a loading dose, the recommendations for maintenance dosage (Table 4) may be used as a guide. When only the serum creatinine level is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function. Males: Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/100 mL) Females: 0.85 x above value In patients undergoing hemodialysis, the loading dose of 1 gram to 2 grams should be given after each hemodialysis, and the maintenance dose should be given as indicated in Table 4. Antibiotic therapy for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections should be maintained for at least 10 days to guard against the risk of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. In staphylococcal and other infections involving a collection of pus, surgical drainage should be carried out where indicated. Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage in pediatric patients three months of age and older is 80 to 160 mg/kg of body weight per day divided into four to six equal doses. The higher dosages should be used for more severe or serious infections. The total daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams. At this time no recommendation is made for pediatric patients from birth to three months of age (see PRECAUTIONS ). In pediatric patients with renal insufficiency, the dosage and frequency of dosage should be modified consistent with the recommendations for adults (see Table 4). PREVENTION Effective prophylactic use depends on the time of administration. Cefoxitin for Injection usually should be given one-half to one hour before the operation, which is sufficient time to achieve effective levels in the wound during the procedure. Prophylactic administration should usually be stopped within 24 hours since continuing administration of any antibiotic increases the possibility of adverse reactions but, in the majority of surgical procedures, does not reduce the incidence of subsequent infection. For prophylactic use in uncontaminated gastrointestinal surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, or abdominal hysterectomy, the following doses are recommended: Adults: 2 grams administered intravenously just prior to surgery (approximately one-half to one hour before the initial incision) followed by 2 grams every 6 hours after the first dose for no more than 24 hours. Pediatric Patients (3 months and older): 30 to 40 mg/kg doses may be given at the times designated above. Cesarean section patients: For patients undergoing cesarean section, either a single 2 gram dose administered intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped OR a 3-dose regimen consisting of 2 grams given intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped followed by 2 grams 4 and 8 hours after the initial dose is recommended. (See CLlNICAL STUDIES . ) Table 3 - Guidelines for Dosage of Cefoxitin for Injection Type of Infection Daily Dosage Frequency and Route Uncomplicated forms* of infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cutaneous infection 3-4 grams 1 gram every 6-8 hours IV Moderately severe or severe infections 6-8 grams 1 gram every 4 hours or 2 grams every 6-8 hours IV Infections commo …

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Cefoxitin for Injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

WARNINGS BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION IS INSTlTUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFOXITIN, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLlNS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH CAUTION TO PENICILLlN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefoxitin for injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Cefoxitin is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following intravenous injection. Other adverse reactions have been encountered infrequently. Local Reactions Thrombophlebitis has occurred with intravenous administration. Allergic Reactions Rash (including exfoliative dermatitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis), urticaria, flushing, pruritus, eosinophilia, fever, dyspnea, and other allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, interstitial nephritis and angioedema have been noted. Cardiovascula r Hypotension. Gastrointestinal Diarrhea, including documented pseudomembranous colitis, which can appear during or after antibiotic treatment. Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely. Neuromuscular Possible exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Blood Eosinophilia, leukopenia including granulocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow depression. A positive direct Coombs test may develop in some individuals, especially those with azotemia. Liver Function Transient elevations in SGOT, SGPT, serum LDH, and serum alkaline phosphatase; and jaundice have been reported. Renal Function Cefoxitin for Injection USP, Pharmacy Bulk Package bag, SmartPak ® should not be used in patients with renal impairment who require less than the 1 gram adult dose of cefoxitin. Elevations in serum creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen levels have been observed. As with the cephalosporins, acute renal failure has been reported rarely. The role of cefoxitin in changes in renal function tests is difficult to assess, since factors predisposing to prerenal azotemia or to impaired renal function usually have been present. In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with Cefoxitin for Injection, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory test results have been reported for cephalosporin class antibiotics: Urticaria, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, serum sickness-like reactions, abdominal pain, colitis, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, false-positive test for urinary glucose, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, elevated bilirubin, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, prolonged prothrombin time, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, superinfection, vaginitis including vaginal candidiasis. Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

Mechanism of Action Cefoxitin is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefoxitin has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION: Cefoxitin for Injection, USP, Pharmacy Bulk Package bag SmartPak® should be used only in patients who require a 1 gram dose and not any fraction thereof. Cefoxitin for Injection USP, Pharmacy Bulk Package bag SmartPak® should not be used in patients who require less than the 1 gram dose of cefoxitin. Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum cepha antibiotic for intravenous administration. It is derived from cephamycin C, which is produced by Streptomyces lactamdurans . Its chemical name is sodium ( 6R,7S )-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-8-oxo-7-[2-(2-thienyl)acetamido]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate carbamate (ester). The empirical formula is C 16 H 16 N 3 NaO 7 S 2 , and the structural formula is: Cefoxitin for Injection contains approximately 53.8 mg (2.3 mEq) of sodium per gram of cefoxitin. Solutions of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP range from colorless to light amber in color. The pH of freshly constituted solutions usually ranges from 4.2 to 7.0. BEFORE ADMINISTRATION, THIS PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE REQUIRES RECONSTITUTION USING STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION, USP TO A CONCENTRATION OF 100 MG PER ML AND FURTHER DILUTION IN 50 ML OF A COMPATIBLE SOLUTION AND INFUSED INTRAVENOUSLY. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN PEDIATRIC AND RENALLY IMPAIRED PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE LESS THAN A 1 GRAM DOSE. Each SmartPak ® Pharmacy Bulk Package contains sterile Cefoxitin Sodium, USP equivalent to 100 grams of cefoxitin and is intended for intravenous infusion only. A Pharmacy Bulk Package is a container of a sterile preparation for parenteral use that contains many single doses. The contents are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture service and are restricted to the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. RECONSITITUTED BULK SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DIRECT INFUSION. CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION, USP SMARTPAK ® PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE LESS THAN A 1 GRAM DOSE OF CEFOXTIN. image description

OVERDOSAGE: The acute intravenous LD 50 in the adult female mouse and rabbit was about 8 grams/kg and greater than 1 gram/kg, respectively. The acute intraperitoneal LD 50 in the adult rat was greater than 10 grams/kg.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is a dry white to off-white powder supplied in conventional vials containing cefoxitin sodium as follows: NDC Cefoxitin for Injection, USP Package Factor 25021-109-10 1 gram equivalent of cefoxitin 10 vials per carton in a Single-Dose Vial 25021-110-20 2 grams equivalent of cefoxitin 10 vials per carton in a Single-Dose Vial Cefoxitin for Injection, USP, is also available in a Pharmacy Bulk Package containing cefoxitin sodium, supplied as follows: NDC Cefoxitin for Injection, USP Package Factor 25021-111-99 10 grams equivalent of cefoxitin 10 bottles per carton in a Pharmacy Bulk Bottle Storage Conditions Store between 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F) in the dry state. Avoid exposure to temperatures above 50°C. The dry material as well as solutions tend to darken, depending on storage conditions; product potency, however, is not adversely affected. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
1,373
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CEFOXITIN SODIUM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0143-9876-10 0143-9876 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 10 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0143-9876-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 BOTTLE (0143-9876-01) February 26, 2010
0143-9877-25 0143-9877 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0143-9877-25) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (0143-9877-01) March 12, 2010
0143-9878-25 0143-9878 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0143-9878-25) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (0143-9878-01) March 12, 2010
66288-4100-1 66288-4100 SAMSON MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC 1 BAG in 1 BAG (66288-4100-1) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 BAG March 1, 2016
25021-109-10 25021-109 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-109-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL November 5, 2009
25021-110-20 25021-110 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-110-20) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL November 5, 2009
25021-111-99 25021-111 Sagent Pharmaceuticals 10 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (25021-111-99) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 BOTTLE August 12, 2010
44567-245-25 44567-245 WG Critical Care, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-245-25) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL February 18, 2015
44567-245-85 44567-245 WG Critical Care, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-245-85) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL July 10, 2017
44567-246-25 44567-246 WG Critical Care, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-246-25) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL February 18, 2015
44567-246-85 44567-246 WG Critical Care, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-246-85) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL July 10, 2017
44567-247-10 44567-247 WG Critical Care, LLC 10 VIAL, PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE in 1 CARTON (44567-247-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE October 1, 2013
0143-9876 0143-9876 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — February 26, 2010
0143-9877 0143-9877 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — March 12, 2010
0143-9878 0143-9878 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — March 12, 2010
66288-4100 66288-4100 SAMSON MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC — March 1, 2016
25021-109 25021-109 Sagent Pharmaceuticals — November 5, 2009
25021-110 25021-110 Sagent Pharmaceuticals — November 5, 2009
25021-111 25021-111 Sagent Pharmaceuticals — August 12, 2010
44567-245 44567-245 WG Critical Care, LLC — July 10, 2017
44567-246 44567-246 WG Critical Care, LLC — February 18, 2015
44567-247 44567-247 WG Critical Care, LLC — October 1, 2013

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.