Cefoxitin
Brands: Mefoxin, Cefoxitin Sodium
Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in pets.
Used for
- urinary tract infections
- respiratory infections
- skin infections
How it is given
- Administration
- injection
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Duration
- 7-14 days
- Storage
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight.
- Pregnancy safety
- caution
Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian before giving any medicine.
Typical dose ranges
cat
- Standard
- 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
dog
- Large dogs
- 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
- Small dogs
- 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
- Medium dogs
- 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Ranges are reference only. Your vet sets the dose for your pet's weight and condition.
Active ingredients
- Cefoxitin Sodium
Side effects
Common
- gastrointestinal upset
- diarrhea
Rare
- allergic reactions
Severe
- severe allergic reactions requiring vet attention
Do not use when
- allergies to cephalosporins
- kidney disease
Interacts with
- aminoglycosides
- probenecid
Warnings
- not for animals with cephalosporin allergies
- use with caution in kidney disease
Cefoxitin questions
Is Cefoxitin safe for pregnant pets?
Caution is advised; consult a veterinarian.
Can Cefoxitin be used with other antibiotics?
It may interact with certain antibiotics; always consult your vet.
How quickly does Cefoxitin work?
Improvement is usually seen within a few days of starting treatment.
Can Cefoxitin treat viral infections?
No, it is only effective against bacterial infections.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Administer it as soon as possible, but if it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Full drug detail
Overview
Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of bacterial infections in pets, particularly dogs and cats. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and is often utilized when other antibiotics may not be suitable.
How It Works
Cefoxitin works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacteria. It is particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria.
Uses & Indications
Cefoxitin is primarily used for treating infections such as:
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
Dosage Guidelines
Dogs
- Small Dogs: 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
- Medium Dogs: 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
- Large Dogs: 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Cats
- Standard: 20-25 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Administration
Cefoxitin is administered via injection, typically intramuscularly or intravenously.
Frequency
Every 6-8 hours as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Duration
The duration of treatment usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to the medication.
Side Effects
Common
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Diarrhea
Rare
- Allergic reactions
Severe
- Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate veterinary attention
Precautions & Warnings
- Cefoxitin should not be used in animals with known allergies to cephalosporins.
- Caution is advised in animals with kidney disease.
Drug Interactions
- Aminoglycosides
- Probenecid
Storage
Store cefoxitin at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
FAQ
Is Cefoxitin safe for pregnant pets?
Caution is advised; consult a veterinarian.
Can Cefoxitin be used with other antibiotics?
It may interact with certain antibiotics; always consult your vet.
How quickly does Cefoxitin work?
Improvement is usually seen within a few days of starting treatment.
Can Cefoxitin treat viral infections?
No, it is only effective against bacterial infections.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Administer it as soon as possible, but if it's close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Additional Recommendations
Always consult a veterinarian before starting Cefoxitin to ensure it is the appropriate treatment for your pet's condition.