Cefoxitin Sodium

Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is a cephalosporin antibacterial indicated for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible isolates of the designated bacteria ( 1 ): Lower respiratory tract infections ( 1.1 ); Urinary tract infections ( 1.2 ); Intra-abdominal infections ( 1.3 ); Gynecological infections ( 1.4 ); Septicemia ( 1.5 ); Bone and joint infections ( 1.6 ); Skin and skin structure infections ( 1.7 ); Prophylaxis ( 1.8 ). To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria ( 1.9 ).

1.1 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and lung abscess, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , other streptococci (excluding enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis ]), Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae , and Bacteroides species.

1.2 Urinary Tract Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, Proteus mirabilis , Morganella morganii , Proteus vulgaris and Providencia species (including P. rettgeri ).

1.3 Intra-abdominal Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections , including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess, caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Bacteroides species including Bacteroides fragilis , and Clostridium species.

1.4 Gynecological Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of gynecological infections , including endometritis, pelvic cellulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Escherichia coli , Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains), Bacteroides species including B. fragilis , Clostridium species, Peptococcus niger , Peptostreptococcus species, and Streptococcus agalactiae . Cefoxitin has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis . Therefore, when cefoxitin is used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and C. trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added.

1.5 Septicemia Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of Septicemia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species, and Bacteroides species including B. fragilis .

1.6 Bone and Joint Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of bone and joint infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains).

1.7 Skin and Skin Structure Infections Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococci (excluding enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis [formerly Streptococcus faecalis ]), Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , Klebsiella species, Bacteroides species including B. fragilis , Clostridium species, Peptococcus niger , and Peptostreptococcus species.

1.8 Prophylaxis Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the prophylaxis of infection in patients undergoing uncontaminated gastrointestinal surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, or cesarean section. If there are signs of infection, specimens for culture should be obtained for identification of the causative organism so that appropriate treatment may be instituted.

1.9 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Single-dose DUPLEX ® (Dual-chamber), Container:

• 1 g cefoxitin for injection and 50 mL of 5% dextrose injection
• 2 g cefoxitin for injection and 50 mL of 5% dextrose injection Single-dose DUPLEX ® Container consisting of: 1 g cefoxitin for injection and 50 mL 5% dextrose injection ( 3 ) 2 g cefoxitin for injection and 50 mL 5% dextrose injection ( 3 )

Hypersensitivity to cefoxitin or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity to corn products. ( 4.2 )

4.1 Hypersensitivity to Cefoxitin or other Beta-lactam Antibacterial Drugs Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin or to other β-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins).

4.2 Hypersensitivity to Corn Products Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to corn products.

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and serious skin reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue the drug. ( 5.1 ) Use in patients with renal impairment: Dosage adjustment required for patients with impaired renal function. ( 2.3 ) Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea: May range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.2 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions to Cefoxitin or other Beta-lactam Antibacterial Drugs Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients on β-lactam antibacterials, including cefoxitin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection or other β-lactam antibacterial drugs [see Contraindications (4) ] . Before initiating therapy with Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection, inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and institute appropriate therapy.

5.2 Clostridium difficile -associated Diarrhea Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

5.3 Risk of Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria Prescribing Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Prolonged use of Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

5.4 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions As with cephalothin, high concentrations of cefoxitin (>100 mcg/mL) may interfere with measurement of serum and urine creatinine levels by Jaffé reaction, and produce false increases of modest degree in the levels of creatinine reported. Serum samples from patients treated with cefoxitin should not be analyzed for creatinine if withdrawn within 2 hours of drug administration. High concentrations of cefoxitin in the urine may interfere with measurement of urinary 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids by the Porter-Silber reaction, and produce false increases of modest degree in the levels reported. A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur. This has been observed with CLINITEST® reagent tablets.

5.5 Patients with a History of Gastrointestinal Disease Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is not recommended in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.

5.6 Patients with Overt or Known Subclinical Diabetes Mellitus or Carbohydrate Intolerance As with other dextrose-containing solutions, Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection should be monitored if Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is prescribed in patients with overt or known subclinical diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance for any reason.

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling:

• Hypersensitivity Reactions to Cefoxitin or other Beta-lactam Antibacterial Drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Use in Patients with Renal Impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]
• Clostridium difficile -associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Risk of Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Patients with a History of Gastrointestinal Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
• Patients with Overt or Known Subclinical Diabetes Mellitus or Carbohydrate Intolerance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following intravenous injection. Local Reactions Thrombophlebitis has occurred with intravenous administration. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash (including exfoliative dermatitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis), urticaria, flushing, pruritus, eosinophilia, fever, dyspnea, and other allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, interstitial nephritis and angioedema have been noted. Cardiovascular Disorders Hypotension. Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea, including documented pseudomembranous colitis which can appear during or after antibiotic treatment. Nausea and vomiting have been reported. Nervous System Disorders Possible exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Eosinophilia, leukopenia including granulocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow depression. A positive direct Coombs test may develop in some individuals, especially those with azotemia. Hepatobiliary Disorders Reversible elevation in SGOT, SGPT, serum LDH, and serum alkaline phosphatase; and jaundice have been reported. Renal and Urinary Disorders Elevations in serum creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen levels have been observed. Acute renal failure has been reported. Most common adverse reactions: Local reactions. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact B. Braun Medical Inc. at 1-800-854-6851 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Cephalosporin-class Adverse Reactions In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with cefoxitin, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory test results have been reported for cephalosporin class antibacterials: pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, vomiting, abdominal pain, colitis, superinfection, vaginitis including vaginal candidiasis, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, elevated bilirubin, pancytopenia, and neutropenia. Several cephalosporins, including Cefoxitin for Injection and Dextrose Injection, have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment, when the dosage was not reduced [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Overdosage (10 ) ] . If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

Aminoglycosides: Increased potential of nephrotoxicity. ( 7.1 )

7.1 Aminoglycosides Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibacterials.

Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy of this formulation not established ( 8.4 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published prospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefoxitin, in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and mice administered parenteral doses of cefoxitin at approximately 1 to 7.5 times the maximum recommended human dose (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Cefoxitin is found in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid after maternal administration. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Maternal gonorrhea may be associated with preterm birth, low neonatal birth weight, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age and premature rupture of membranes. Perinatal transmission of gonorrhea to the offspring can result in infant blindness, joint infections and bloodstream infections. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from prospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use, including cefoxitin, during pregnancy, and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Reproduction studies performed in pregnant rats and mice at parenteral doses of approximately one to seven and one-half times the maximum recommended human dose did not reveal teratogenic or fetal toxic effects, although a slight decrease in fetal weight was observed. In the rabbit, cefoxitin was associated with a high incidence of abortion and maternal death. This was not considered to be a teratogenic effect but an expected consequence of the rabbit’s unusual sensitivity to antibiotic-induced changes in the population of the microflora of the intestine.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited data from published literature report the presence of cefoxitin in human milk. For an infant fed exclusively with human milk, the estimated infant daily dose through breastfeeding is less than 0.1% of maternal daily IV dose (see Data). Minimal data are available on the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant; none of these reports suggest serious safety concerns. No data are available on the effects of the drug on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for cefoxitin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from cefoxitin or from the underlying maternal condition. Data In a published clinical lactation study, the concentration of cefoxitin ranged from 11.6 ± 0.8 to 0.49 ± 0.01 mcg/mL and 1.71 ± 0.08 to 0.57 ± 0.02 mcg/mL in human plasma and breast milk, respectively, at 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5 hours following IV administration of 1 g cefoxitin twice daily.

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of this formulation are not established. This formulation of cefoxitin is indicated for use only in patients who require the entire 1 or 2 gram dose.

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 1,775 subjects who received cefoxitin in clinical studies, 424 (24%) were 65 and over, while 124 (7%) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] . This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [ see Dosage and Administration (2. 3 ) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

8.6 Renal Impairment In patients with a reduced creatinine clearance the dose of Cefoxitin Injection and Dextrose Injection should be adjusted to compensate for the slower rate of renal elimination. Because high and prolonged cefoxitin concentrations can occur from usual dosages in patients with renal impairment or other conditions that may compromise renal function, the maintenance dosage should be reduced when Cefoxitin Injection and Dextrose Injection is administered to such patients. Continued dosage should be determined by the degree of renal impairment, severity of infection, and susceptibility of the causative organisms [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Cefoxitin is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ] .