What is Cefoxitin?
Cefoxitin is an antibiotic. Cefoxitin can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This includes severe or life-threatening cases. Cefoxitin can also be used to prevent infections after certain types of surgeries. Cefoxitin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cefoxitin
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling and severe reactions on the skin then these could all indicate allergies.(fever or sore throat with burning, pain in the eyes, or skin pain), or a severe reaction to your skin (red or purple rash, blistering, or skin that is swollen and peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Cefoxitin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Little or no urination
- Jaundice
- A seizure;
- Fever, chills, tiredness,
- Easy bruising and bleeding, pale hands and feet, and unusual bleeding
Some of the common side effects associated with cefoxitin include:
- Pain, swelling or irritation at the site of injection;
- Diarrhoea;
- Fever
- Rash, itching.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting side effects is necessary.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Informing your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, allergies and medicines being taken will enable him or her to provide optimal treatment and advice.
Before you take this drug
Cefoxitin should not be used if your allergy to corn or any cephalosporin anti-biotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, etc.) Is severe.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- An penicillin allergy;
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Liver disease
- A stomach or intestinal disorder, such as colitis.
- Diabetes;
- Congestive heart failure;
- Cancer;
- A surgery or an emergency medical situation;
- If you are malnourished.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Cefoxitin?
Cefoxitin can be injected into a vein. Cefoxitin injections are given by your healthcare provider to help prevent infections after surgery. You may be taught by a healthcare provider how to use the medication properly to treat an infection. Please read and heed all directions included with your medication, if there are any. If there are any problems understanding them please reach out to your physician or pharmacist immediately for clarification.
Cefoxitin comes as a powder, which must be mixed with a liquid before injection. It may be necessary to dilute your mixed medicine further before injecting it. You should know how to mix and store your injections if you use them at home. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if there are particles in it, call your pharmacist to get a new prescription.
Cefoxitin should be taken for the entire prescribed time period, even if symptoms improve quickly.Skipping doses could make it easier to become resistant to infections. Cefoxitin does not treat viral infections such as the flu and the common cold. Cefoxitin can interfere with certain medical tests. You should tell any doctor who treats you about cefoxitin. Keep the unmixed medication at a cool room temperature. (Not above 77 F.)
The mixture must be consumed within a specific number of days or hours, depending on the type of diluent that was used. Cefoxitin must be mixed and stored according to the instructions. You may need to keep the cefoxitin mixture in the refrigerator for a few days after mixing it with a dilution. Do not freeze.
Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of reach from pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a cefoxitin dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhoea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhoea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Cefoxitin may harm your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, infection, osteoporosis, or organ rejection. It can also be harmful if you have bowel disorders or high blood pressure. Cefoxitin can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
