Cefoxitin: Clinical Evaluation in Thirty-Eight Patients

Abstract

Clinical and bacteriological efficacy, patient tolerance, and toxicity of cefoxitin, a beta-lactamase-resistant cephamycin, were evaluated in 38 patients; 13 had soft tissue infection, 12 had pneumonia, 3 had urinary tract infection, 2 had peritonitis, and 4 had miscellaneous infections. In five patients, infection was clinically evident, though not bacteriologically proven. The latter patients were evaluated with regard to tolerance and toxicity only. Among the 34 infections in 33 patients, 71% were considered clinically cured; 86% of those patients who could be recultured were bacteriologically cured. Phlebitis was noted in 32% of the total group, and eosinophilia was observed in 16%. Unexplained deterioration in renal function occurred in two patients. Mean peak cefoxitin levels in serum were 72 μg/ml 30 min after a 2-g infusion and 32 μg/ml 30 min after a 1-g infusion. Cefoxitin was more active against facultatively and obligately anaerobic gram-negative organisms isolated from these patients than was cephalothin.