Adult

Cefoxitin

Warning

General Information

Do NOT use if patient has a history of severe penicillin allergy.  If in doubt, discuss with Micro/ID.

Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary

AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Watch'. Use as per guidelines. All other indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.

For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF.

Standard dose

  Intravenous dose
Standard dose

2g every 4-6 hours

(maximum 12g per day)

Renal and hepatic impairment

Renal impairment

Creatinine clearance (mL/min)*

Dose

30-50

2g BD-TDS

10-29

2g OD-BD

5-9

2g loading dose then 500mg-1g OD-BD

Less than 5

2g loading dose then 500mg-1g every 24-48 hours

HD/HDF/High Flux

2g OD

Dialysed; give after dialysis

PD

1g OD

Not dialysed

*dose ranges use creatinine clearance, rather than eGFR

 

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment required

References

  • Renascience Pharma Ltd. Renoxitin 1g Powder for solution for Injection or Infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text: 14/5/25. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk. Accessed 5/3/26
  • The Renal Drug Database. Cefoxitin Sodium. Last updated 31/10/23. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 5/3/26
  • British National Formulary. Cefoxitin. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 5/3/26
  • Sanford guide [online]. Cefoxitin. Last updated 23/1/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 5/3/26

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 05 Mar 2026

Next review date: 05 Mar 2029

Author(s): AMST.