Cefoxitin

Indications

Cefoxitin is utilized for treating serious infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms. It is particularly effective against a variety of bacteria that pose significant health risks, providing a targeted approach to managing bacterial infections.

Pharmacodynamics

As a cephamycin antibiotic, Cefoxitin is often grouped with second-generation cephalosporins. It exhibits activity against a broad spectrum of gram-negative bacteria, including anaerobes. A notable feature of Cefoxitin is the presence of a methoxy group at the 7a position, which confers exceptional stability against beta-lactamases, including both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, inherent to gram-negative bacteria.

Metabolism

Cefoxitin undergoes minimal metabolic transformation. Approximately 85 percent of the drug is excreted unchanged by the kidneys within a six-hour timeframe, indicating its predominantly renal elimination pathway.

Mechanism of Action

Cefoxitin exhibits its bactericidal effect through the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. This mechanism disrupts the structural integrity of the cell wall, ultimately leading to the elimination of the bacterial cells. The interruption in the synthesis process prevents proper cell wall formation, rendering the bacteria unable to sustain their cellular architecture and survive.