Selected Antimicrobial Information – Companion Animal
Cefoxitin [Companion]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | For systemic infections | 25-30mg/kg IV q8h (extra-label use) |
| Dogs | For soft tissue or orthopedic infections | 30mg/kg IV q8h (extra-label use) |
| For bacteremia | 30mg/kg IV q6-8h (extra-label use) | |
| For surgical prophylaxis | 22mg/kg IV given 30-60min prior to incision; may repeat once in 3-6h (extra-label use) |
Brand Name(s)
Mefoxin®
Background
Cefoxitin is a bactericidal, time-dependent second generation cephamycin (β-lactam) antibiotic often grouped with second generation cephalosporins. It has good activity against many Gram-negative organisms and also anaerobes, but less activity against Gram-positive organisms compared to first generation cephalosporins. It is not effective against Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. Distribution throughout the body is wide but it does not enter the CNS, and excretion is primarily as unchanged drug in urine.
Acceptable Uses
- Parenteral treatment of a wide variety of Gram-negative aerobic infections, including sepsis, pyothorax, or osteomyelitis.
- Surgical prophylaxis particularly when anaerobic infections are expected, such as colorectal surgery. Also useful for treating intra-abdominal bowel rupture.
Unacceptable Uses
- N/A
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- No formulations currently available within the OSU pharmacy; will order upon request
Notes
- It is recommended that this medication be used only via IV administration due to pain and injection site reactions with SQ or IM administration.
- Cefoxitin can be used initially for parenteral treatment of severe infections, and then therapy can be de-escalated to oral treatment long term.
