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Mefoxitin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Mefoxitin - General Information

Mefoxitin is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum cepha antibiotic for intravenous administration. It is derived from cephamycin C, which is produced by Streptomyces lactamdurans.

 

Pharmacology of Mefoxitin

Mefoxitin is a cephamycin antibiotic often grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins. It is active against a broad range of gram-negative bacteria including anaerobes. The methoxy group in the 7a position provides cefoxitin with a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative bacteria.

 

Mefoxitin for patients

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including MEFOXIN should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When MEFOXIN is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by MEFOXIN or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

 

Mefoxitin Interactions

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

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

As with cephalothin, high concentrations of cefoxitin (>100 micrograms/mL) may interfere with measurement of serum and urine creatinine levels by the Jaffé reaction, and produce false increases of modest degree in the levels of creatinine reported. Serum samples from patients treated with cefoxitin should not be analyzed for creatinine if withdrawn within 2 hours of drug administration.

High concentrations of cefoxitin in the urine may interfere with measurement of urinary 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids by the Porter-Silber reaction, and produce false increases of modest degree in the levels reported.

A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur. This has been observed with CLINITEST† reagent tablets.

† Registered trademark of Ames Company, Division of Miles Laboratories, Inc.

 

Mefoxitin Contraindications

MEFOXIN is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

 

Additional information about Mefoxitin

Mefoxitin Indication: For the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains microorganisms. Mechanism Of Action: The bactericidal action of cefoxitin results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Drug Interactions: Amikacin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityGentamicin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityKanamycin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityNeomycin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityNetilmicin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityStreptomycin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityTobramycin Increased risk of nephrotoxicityAnisindione The cephalosporin increases the anticoagulant effectDicumarol The cephalosporin increases the anticoagulant effectAcenocoumarol The cephalosporin increases the anticoagulant effectWarfarin The cephalosporin increases the anticoagulant effectProbenecid Probenecid increases the antibiotic's level Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Cefoxitin Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Antibacterial Agents; Cephalosporins Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Cefoxitin: Mefoxin; Mefoxitin; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): The acute intravenous LD50 in the adult female mouse and rabbit was about 8.0 g/kg and greater than 1.0 g/kg, respectively. The acute intraperitoneal LD50 in the adult rat was greater than 10.0 g/kg. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Minimal (approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period). Half Life: The half-life after an intravenous dose is 41 to 59 minutes. Dosage Forms of Mefoxitin: Powder, for solution IntramuscularPowder, for solution Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: (6R,7S)-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 Chemical Formula: C16H17N3O7S2 Cefoxitin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cefoxitin Organisms Affected: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria