The Basics
What is Cefoxitin?
Used to treat infections caused by bacteria including pneumonia and other lung infections; and urinary tract, abdominal, female reproductive organs, blood, bone, joint, and skin infections.
Brand names for Cefoxitin
Mefoxin
How Cefoxitin is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Cefoxitin During Pregnancy
Cefoxitin pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Cefoxitin while pregnant
Reproduction studies performed in rats and mice at parenteral doses of approximately one to seven and one-half times the maximum recommended human dose did not reveal teratogenic or fetal toxic effects, although a slight decrease in fetal weight was observed. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. In the rabbit, cefoxitin was associated with a high incidence of abortion and maternal death. This was not considered to be a teratogenic effect but an expected consequence of the rabbit’s unusual sensitivity to antibiotic-induced changes in the population of the microflora of the intestine.
Taking Cefoxitin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefoxitin?
Substantial information indicates that cefoxitin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefoxitin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Substantial information indicates that cefoxitin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefoxitin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Cefoxitin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Cefoxitin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Geddes AM, Schnurr LP, Ball AP et al. Cefoxitin: a hospital study. Br Med J. 1977;1:1126-8. PMID: 861496
2. Geddes AM, McGhie D, Ball AP et al. Studies with cefuroxime and cefoxitin. Scand J Infect Dis. 1978;13 (Suppl):78-81. PMID: 308260
3. Santo GH, Huch A. Ubergang von cefoxitin in muttermilch. Infection. 1979;7(Suppl 1):S90-1.
4. Dubois M, Delapierre D, Chanteux L et al. A study of the transplacental transfer and the mammary excretion of cefoxitin in humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 1981;21:477-83. PMID: 7334140
5. Dresse A, Lambotte R, Dubois M et al. Transmammary passage of cefoxitin: additional results. J Clin Pharmacol. 1983;23:438-40. PMID: 6643697
6. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy. 1984;5:57-60. PMID: 6743732
7. Roex AJM, van Loenen AC, Puyenbroek JI et al. Secretion of cefoxitin in breast milk following short-term prophylactic adminstration in caesarean secretion. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1987;25:299-302. PMID: 3653494
8. Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Z. [Tissue and body fluid distribution of antibacterial agents in pregnant and lactating women]. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. 1997;32(5):288-92. PMID: 9596854
9. Kiriazopoulos E, Zaharaki S, Vonaparti A et al. Quantification of three beta-lactam antibiotics in breast milk and human plasma by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal. 2017;9:1062-72. PMID: 27714984
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
