The intent of this pharmacy bulk package is for the preparation of solutions for intravenous infusion only.
TREATMENT
Adults
The usual adult dosage range is 1 gram to 2 grams every six to eight hours. Dosage should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of infection, and the condition of the patient (see Table 1 for dosage guidelines).
If C. trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added, because cefoxitin sodium has no activity against this organism.
Cefoxitin for Injection, USP may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage adjustments:
In adults with renal insufficiency, an initial loading dose of 1 gram to 2 grams may be given. After a loading dose, the recommendations for maintenance dosage (Table 2) may be used as a guide.
When only the serum creatinine level is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
Males: Weight (Kg) x (140 –age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/100ml)
Females: 0.85 x above value
In patients undergoing hemodialysis, the loading dose of 1 to 2 grams should be given after each hemodialysis, and the maintenance dose should be given as indicated in Table 2.
Antibiotic therapy for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections should be maintained for at least 10 days to guard against the risk of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. In staphylococcal and other infections involving a collection of pus, surgical drainage should be carried out where indicated.
Pediatric Patients
The recommended dosage in pediatric patients three months of age and older is 80 to 160 mg/kg of body weight per day divided into four to six equal doses. The higher dosages should be used for more severe or serious infections. The total daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
At this time no recommendation is made for pediatric patients from birth to three months of age (see PRECAUTIONS).
In pediatric patients with renal insufficiency, the dosage and frequency of dosage should be modified consistent with the recommendations for adults (see Table 2).
PREVENTION
Effective prophylactic use depends on the time of administration. Cefoxitin for Injection, USP usually should be given one-half to one hour before the operation, which is sufficient time to achieve effective levels in the wound during the procedure. Prophylactic administration should usually be stopped within 24 hours since continuing administration of any antibiotic increases the possibility of adverse reactions but, in the majority of surgical procedures, does not reduce the incidence of subsequent infection.
For prophylactic use in uncontaminated gastrointestinal surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, or abdominal hysterectomy, the following doses are recommended:
Adults:
2 grams administered intravenously just prior to surgery (approximately one-half to one hour before the initial incision) followed by 2 grams every 6 hours after the first dose for no more than 24 hours.
Pediatric Patients (3 months and older):
30 to 40 mg/kg doses may be given at the times designated above.
Cesarean section patients:
For patients undergoing cesarean section, either a single 2 gram dose administered intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped OR a 3-dose regimen consisting of 2 grams given intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped followed by 2 grams 4 and 8 hours after the initial dose is recommended. (See CLINICAL STUDIES.)
Table 1 - Guidelines for Dosage of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP
Type of Infection
Daily Dosage
Frequency and Route
Uncomplicated forms+ of infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cutaneous infection
3-4 grams
1 gram every 6-8 hours IV
Moderately severe or severe infections
6-8 grams
1 gram every 4 hoursor 2 grams every 6-8 hours IV
Infections commonly needing antibiotics in higher dosage (e.g., gas gangrene)
12 grams
2 grams every 4 hoursor 3 grams every 6 hours IV
Table 2 - Maintenance Dosage of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP in Adults with Reduced Renal Function
Renal Function
CreatinineClearance(mL/min)
Dose(grams)
Frequency
Mild impairment
50-30
1-2
every 8-12 hours
Moderate impairment
29-10
1-2
every 12-24 hours
Severe impairment
9-5
0.5-1
every 12-24 hours
Essentially no function
<5
0.5-1
every 24-48 hours
Table 3 - Preparation of Solution for Intravenous Administration
Strength
Amount of Diluent to be Added(mL)++
ApproximateWithdrawableVolume (mL)
Approximate AverageConcentration(mg/mL)
Pharmacy Bulk Package – 10 grams
43 or 93
49 or 98.5
200 or 100
PREPARATION OF SOLUTION
Table 3 is provided for convenience in constituting Cefoxitin for Injection, USP for intravenous administration.
The 10 gram pharmacy bulk package bottle should be constituted with 43 or 93 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5 percent Dextrose Injection. CAUTION: THE 10 GRAM BULK STOCK SOLUTION IS NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION. RECONSTITUTED BULK SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DIRECT INFUSION. RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION. These primary solutions may be further diluted in 50 to 1000 mL of the diluents listed under the Bulk Packages portion of the COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY section.
Benzyl alcohol as a preservative has been associated with toxicity in neonates. While toxicity has not been demonstrated in pediatric patients greater than three months of age, in whom use of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP may be indicated, small pediatric patients in this age range may also be at risk for benzyl alcohol toxicity. Therefore, diluent containing benzyl alcohol should not be used when Cefoxitin for Injection, USP is constituted for administration to pediatric patients in this age range.
ADMINISTRATION
Cefoxitin for Injection, USP may be administered intravenously after constitution.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Intravenous Administration
The intravenous route is preferable for patients with bacteremia, bacterial septicemia, or other severe or life-threatening infections, or for patients who may be poor risks because of lowered resistance resulting from such debilitating conditions as malnutrition, trauma, surgery, diabetes, heart failure, or malignancy, particularly if shock is present or impending.
For intermittent intravenous administration: Using an infusion system, a solution containing 1 gram or 2 grams may be given over a period of time through the tubing system by which the patient may be receiving other intravenous solutions. However, during infusion of the solution containing Cefoxitin for Injection, USP, it is advisable to temporarily discontinue administration of any other solutions at the same site.
For the administration of higher doses by continuous intravenous infusion, a solution of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP may be added to an intravenous bottle containing 5 percent Dextrose Injection, 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5 percent Dextrose and 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection. BUTTERFLY‡ or scalp vein-type needles are preferred for this type of infusion.
Solutions of Cefoxitin for Injection, USP, like those of most beta-lactam antibiotics, should not be added to aminoglycoside solutions (e.g., gentamicin sulfate, tobramycin sulfate, amikacin sulfate) because of potential interaction. However, Cefoxitin for Injection, USP and aminoglycosides may be administered separately to the same patient.
Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle:
Pharmacy Bulk PackageNot for Direct Infusion
RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION
The Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle is for use in a pharmacy admixture service under a laminar flow hood. Penetration into the Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle should be made only one time after reconstitution with a sterile transfer set or other sterile dispensing device, which allows measured distribution of the contents. Dispense the contents in aliquots using aseptic technique. The use of a syringe with a needle is not recommended as it may cause leakage. AFTER INITIAL ENTRY USE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE PROMPTLY. A maximum time of 4 HOURS from initial entry is permitted to complete fluid transfer operations. ANY UNUSED PORTION MUST BE DISCARDED WITHIN 4 HOURS. This time limit should begin with the introducing of solvent or diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle. RECONSTITUTED BULK SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DIRECT INFUSION. RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION.
COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY
Pharmacy Bulk Package
Cefoxitin for Injection, USP as supplied in pharmacy bulk package bottles and constituted to 1 gram/10 mL with Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, (see PREPARATION OF SOLUTION), 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5 percent Dextrose Injection should be DISCARDED 4 HOURS AFTER INITIAL ENTRY. FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. RECONSTITUTED BULK SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DIRECT INFUSION. RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION.
These primary solutions may be further diluted in 50 to 1000 mL of the following diluents and maintain potency for an additional 18 hours at room temperature or an additional 48 hours under refrigeration:
0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection
5 percent or 10 percent Dextrose Injection
5 percent Dextrose and 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection
5 percent Dextrose Injection with 0.2 percent or 0.45 percent saline solution
Lactated Ringer's Injection
5 percent Dextrose in Lactated Ringer's Injection
5 percent Sodium Bicarbonate Injection
M/6 sodium lactate solution
Mannitol 5% and 10%
After the periods mentioned above, any unused solutions should be discarded.