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Cephamycin (2nd-gen-like, anaerobic cover)

Cefoxitin

Brand names: Mefoxin

Adult dose

Dose: 1–2g IV/IM q6–8h (max 12g/day)

Route: IV / IM

Frequency: q6–8h

Clinical pearls

BSAC / UKHSA: surgical prophylaxis for colorectal / pelvic surgery (B. fragilis cover)
Less commonly used in UK vs co-amoxiclav / metronidazole-based regimens

Contraindications

Severe beta-lactam hypersensitivity

Side effects

GI upset
Hypersensitivity
Phlebitis
C. difficile
Eosinophilia

Interactions

Probenecid

Monitoring

Resolution
C. diff

Reference: BNF; BSAC; UKHSA; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/cefoxitin/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways