Cefoxitin — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Cefoxitin prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Cefoxitin Sodium without insurance?
The average retail price for Cefoxitin Sodium without health insurance coverage is approximately $108.00 per 9, 2gm solution reconstituted vials. Prices may vary by pharmacy and region. Many patients find savings by using prescription discount programs or comparing prices across local pharmacies. Since Cefoxitin Sodium is a generic formulation, it is considerably more affordable than the branded version, Mefoxin.
Does health insurance typically cover Cefoxitin Sodium?
Coverage for Cefoxitin Sodium varies depending on your specific insurance plan and formulary. Some plans cover the medication fully or partially, while others may not include it at all. Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm whether Cefoxitin Sodium is covered under your policy and to learn your exact cost-sharing responsibility. If your plan does not cover it or your copay is high, discount prescription programs and pharmacy price comparisons may help reduce your expense.
What is the brand-name version of Cefoxitin Sodium?
Mefoxin is the brand-name form of cefoxitin sodium. Both contain the same active ingredient and work identically, but Mefoxin typically costs substantially more than the generic version. Choosing the generic cefoxitin sodium can lead to considerable savings while providing the same therapeutic benefit.
Cefoxitin prices at US pharmacies
(Cefoxitin Sodium) — solution reconstituted, 2gm, qty 9
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens Lowest | $34.40 | $31.40 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $43.70 | $40.70 |
| Publix | $67.42 | $64.42 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $84.90 | $81.90 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $84.90 | $81.90 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $93.40 | $90.40 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $93.40 | $90.40 |
Cefoxitin prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 gm | InhalersOnline.com | $26.40 | $263.99 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Cefoxitin used for?
Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin from the same cephamycin subgroup as cefotetan, which gives it notably better activity against anaerobic bacteria than typical second-generation cephalosporins. It's given only by IV infusion and used for serious infections of the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and intra-abdominal or pelvic area, and it's a standard choice for preventing infection before abdominal, gynecologic, and colorectal surgery, where anaerobic bacteria are a common concern.
Unlike its close relative cefotetan, cefoxitin doesn't carry the chemical side chain responsible for the disulfiram-like alcohol reaction and bleeding risk seen with that drug — a meaningful practical difference between two otherwise similar cephamycins, and one reason a clinician might choose one over the other depending on a patient's situation.
As with any cephalosporin, cefoxitin shares a chemical backbone with penicillins, and hypersensitivity reactions, including rare but serious anaphylaxis, can occur in people with a penicillin allergy — a careful allergy history is standard practice before it's given.
How Cefoxitin works
Attacks the bacterial cell wall
Cefoxitin blocks the enzymes bacteria need to build and maintain their protective cell wall, including many anaerobic species other second-generation cephalosporins don't reach.
The wall weakens and fails
Without a properly built wall, internal pressure causes the bacterial cell to rupture and die.
Infection clears or is prevented
Given before surgery, it reaches effective tissue levels during the highest-risk window for contamination; given for an active infection, it works the same way to clear susceptible bacteria.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical infection prevention | Single IV dose, typically given within 60 minutes before the incision | IV infusion |
| Treatment of susceptible infections (adults) | 1–2 g IV every 6–8 hours, depending on severity | IV infusion |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Commonly used for
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Injection-site pain or irritation
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Rash
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, facial/throat swelling, trouble breathing — serious reactions may require emergency treatment
- Severe or watery diarrhea (possible C. diff colitis)
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS: CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefoxitin and the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
Warnings
WARNINGS: BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFOXITIN, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH CAUTION TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES.
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Aminoglycosides | Increased risk of kidney toxicity (nephrotoxicity) when combined. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Reproduction studies performed in 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. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Cefoxitin, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cefoxitin cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Cefoxitin?
What drug class is Cefoxitin in?
Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Angelica Balingit, M.D., Internal Medicine