Last update May 23, 2025

Cefoxitin Sodium

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for injection or parenteral administration.

Like most cephalosporins for which data are available, excretion occurs in breast milk in very small amount and it is clinically insignificant. (Kiriazopoulos 2017, Zhang 1997, Roex 1987, Matsuda 1984, Dresse 1983, Dubois 1981, Geddes 1978 y 1977)

Cephalosporins are widely used in the Pediatric practice with a good tolerance, even in the neonatal period, so it is very unlikely that in small amounts through milk would be a cause of problems in the infant.

Although rare, the possibility of transient gastroenteritis due to alteration of the intestinal microbiome in infants whose mothers take antibiotics should be taken into account. (Ji 2022, Ito 1993)

Several medical societies and expert authors consider it safe to use this medication during breastfeeding. (Hale, LactMed, Briggs 2015)

American Academy of Pediatrics: medication usually compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cefoxitin Sodium since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Cefoxitin Sodium in other languages or writings:

Group

Cefoxitin Sodium belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Cefoxitin Sodium in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 0 %
Molecular weight 449 daltons
Protein Binding 65 - 79 %
VD 0.11 - 0.17 l/Kg
pKa 3.4 -
Tmax 0.75 - 1 hours
T½ 0.3 - 0.5 ( im ) hours
Theoretical Dose 0.1 - 0.2 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 0.6 - 1.2 %
Ped.Relat.Dose 0.06 - 0.1 %

References

  1. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Ji C, Zhang G, Xu S, Xiang Q, Huang M, Zhao M, Bai X. Antibiotic treatments to mothers during the perinatal period leaving hidden trouble on infants. Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Sep;181(9):3459-3471. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. Kiriazopoulos E, Zaharaki S, Vonaparti A, Vourna P, Panteri-Petratou E, Gennimata D, Lombardo K, Panderi I. Quantification of three beta-lactam antibiotics in breast milk and human plasma by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal. 2017 Jul;9(7):1062-1072. Abstract
  5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Wolters Kluwer Health. Tenth edition (acces on line) 2015
  6. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Z. [Tissue and body fluid distribution of antibacterial agents in pregnant and lactating women]. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. 1997 Abstract
  8. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993 May;168(5):1393-9. Abstract
  9. Roex AJ, van Loenen AC, Puyenbroek JI, Arts NF. Secretion of cefoxitin in breast milk following short-term prophylactic administration in caesarean section. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1987 Abstract
  10. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984;5(2):57-60. Abstract
  11. Dresse A, Lambotte R, Dubois M, Delapierre D, Kramp R. Transmammary passage of cefoxitin: additional results. J Clin Pharmacol. 1983 Abstract
  12. Dubois M, Delapierre D, Chanteux L, Demonty J, Lambotte R, Kramp R, Dresse A. A study of the transplacental transfer and the mammary excretion of cefoxitin in humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Abstract
  13. Brogden RN, Heel RC, Speight TM, Avery GS. Cefoxitin: a review of its antibacterial activity, pharmacological properties and therapeutic use. Drugs 1979;17:1–37 1979
  14. Takase Z, Shirafuji H, Uchida M. Clinical and laboratory studies on cefoxitin in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo) 1978;26(Suppl 1):502–5. 1978
  15. Mashimo K, Mihashi S, Fukaya I, Okubo B, Ohgob M, Saito A. New drug symposium IV. Cefoxitin. Chemotherapy (Tokyo) 1978;26:114–9. 1978
  16. Geddes AM, McGhie D, Ball AP, Gould I. Studies with cefuroxime and cefoxitin. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl. 1978 Abstract
  17. Geddes AM, Schnurr LP, Ball AP, McGhie D, Brookes GR, Wise R, Andrews J. Cefoxitin: a hospital study. Br Med J. 1977 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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