cefoxitin

biochemistry

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June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Like other cephalosporins, it works by inhibiting the synthesis of a structural component of the bacterial cell wall.1

Cephalosporins were first isolated from a fungus called Cephalosporium acremonium. They are often used as an alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.1

Second-generation cephalosporins, including cefoxitin, are generally more effective against gram-negative bacteria than first-generation ones. Cefoxitin is particularly active against most strains of Bacteroides fragilis. While effective against gram-negative bacteria, they have reduced activity against gram-positive bacteria compared to earlier generations.1

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antibiotic
Cephalosporins
second-generation cephalosporins (cefamandole, cefaclor, cefotetan, cefoxitin, and cefuroxime) have an extended antibacterial spectrum that includes greater activity against additional species of gram-negative rods. Thus, these drugs are active against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella and Proteus species (though several strains of these organisms have developed resistance). Cefamandole is active against many…
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second-generation cephalosporins (cefamandole, cefaclor, cefotetan, cefoxitin, and cefuroxime) have an extended antibacterial spectrum that includes greater activity against additional species of gram-negative rods. Thus, these drugs are active against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella and Proteus species (though several strains of these organisms have developed resistance). Cefamandole is active against many…
Read More

gonorrhea
Diagnosis and treatment
cefoxitin became increasingly used as alternatives for eliminating N. gonorrhoeae. Some strains of the bacteria, however, later developed resistance to fluoroquinolones, and eventually multidrug-resistant strains appeared. In the early 2000s, evidence of cephalosporin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae emerged.
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cefoxitin became increasingly used as alternatives for eliminating N. gonorrhoeae. Some strains of the bacteria, however, later developed resistance to fluoroquinolones, and eventually multidrug-resistant strains appeared. In the early 2000s, evidence of cephalosporin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae emerged.
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