Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Intermittent cefoxitin

Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.

Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Used for Surgical site infection prophylaxis, Intra-abdominal infections, Gynecological infections.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Cefoxitin works by disrupting the cross-linking of peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell wall instability and bacterial death. The intermittent dosing regimen refers to the administration schedule rather than a novel mechanism. It has broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including anaerobes.

Approved indications

• Surgical site infection prophylaxis
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Gynecological infections

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Phlebitis at injection site

Key clinical trials

• Intermittent Cefoxitin Administration Versus Loading Bolus Followed by Continuous Infusion for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Colorectal Surgery (PHASE3)
• Randomized Trial of Continuous Versus Intermittent Cefotaxime Infusion on ICU. (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Intermittent cefoxitin CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Intermittent cefoxitin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Poitiers University Hospital portfolio CI