How Do You Dilute Cefoxitin for IV Push?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer guidelines, a solution containing cefoxitin can be prepared for intermittent IV administration, typically over 3 to 5 minutes. Knowing how to properly dilute cefoxitin for IV push is essential for safe and effective drug delivery, ensuring the correct preparation for administration.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the step-by-step process for reconstituting and diluting cefoxitin powder for IV push administration. It covers selecting diluents, achieving appropriate concentrations, and adhering to administration protocols.

Key Points

Reconstitute with a compatible sterile diluent: Use Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride, or 5% Dextrose as appropriate for reconstitution.
Achieve the correct concentration: The final concentration will depend on the amount of diluent used with the specific vial size.
Inspect for clarity: Always check the reconstituted solution for visible particles or discoloration before administration.
Administer slowly: The IV push should be injected slowly over a period of 3 to 5 minutes.
Do not mix with aminoglycosides: Cefoxitin should not be combined with aminoglycoside antibiotics in the same solution.
Store correctly: Reconstituted solutions have limited stability and must be used within the specified timeframes based on storage conditions.

Understanding Cefoxitin for IV Administration

Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is often administered intravenously for rapid systemic distribution. For intermittent intravenous (IV) administration, including IV push, the drug must be accurately reconstituted and diluted from its dry powder form. This method requires careful preparation to help prevent complications at the injection site.

The dry cefoxitin powder is typically supplied in vials. Reconstitution involves adding a specific volume of a compatible sterile diluent to the vial. The solution should be clear before injection, and sterile procedures are essential.

Materials Needed for Cefoxitin IV Push Preparation

Gather all necessary equipment in a sterile environment for safe preparation.

Required Equipment and Supplies

Cefoxitin vial: Dry powder.
Sterile diluent: Options include Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride, or 5% Dextrose.
Sterile syringes and needles: For drawing and injecting diluent.
Alcohol swabs: For disinfection.
Sharps container: For disposal.
Medication label: For the prepared syringe.
Gloves: For aseptic technique.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Dilute Cefoxitin for IV Push?

Follow these steps for safe and correct preparation.

Step 1: Verify the Order and Patient

Confirm medication details against the patient's record.

Step 2: Assemble Equipment and Practice Aseptic Technique

Gather materials, wash hands, don gloves, and disinfect the vial stopper.

Step 3: Reconstitute the Cefoxitin Powder

Draw up the required diluent volume. Specific volumes are recommended based on the vial size.

Step 4: Mix Thoroughly

Inject diluent into the vial, shake to dissolve, and let stand until clear. The solution should be colorless to light amber.

Step 5: Visually Inspect the Solution

Check for particulate matter before administration. Discard if particles are visible.

Step 6: Administer as an IV Push

Draw up the dose into a syringe. Administer slowly over 3 to 5 minutes. Flush the IV line before and after injection if using an existing line.

Comparison of Dilution Options


Dilution Scenario	Vial Strength	Diluent Volume	Final Concentration (Approx.)	Notes
Scenario A	1 gram	Specified volume	Approximately 95 mg/mL	Common concentration for IV administration.
Scenario B	2 grams	Specified volume	Approximately 180 mg/mL	May be used when fluid restriction is considered.
Scenario C	2 grams	Specified volume	Approximately 95 mg/mL	Matches the concentration in Scenario A.
Pharmacy Bulk Vial	Larger sizes	Specified volume	Specified concentrations	Not for direct IV push. Requires further dilution for infusion.

Key Considerations for Safe Administration

Ensure patient safety by observing these points.

Compatibility: Do not mix cefoxitin with aminoglycoside solutions. Administer separately.
Patient Monitoring: Observe for adverse reactions during and after injection.
Pediatric Use: Avoid diluents with benzyl alcohol in infants and children under three months unless necessary.
Storage and Stability: Reconstituted solutions have limited shelf life; stability depends on storage conditions. Follow recommended storage guidelines for temperature and duration.

Conclusion

Diluting cefoxitin for IV push requires precise adherence to guidelines for safe and effective delivery. Select the correct diluent and volume based on the specific product information, ensure the solution is clear, and administer over 3 to 5 minutes. Always consult official prescribing information for the most current instructions. Reliable resources like the DailyMed product label from the U.S. National Library of Medicine can provide further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

For IV push, cefoxitin can be reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (Normal Saline), or 5% Dextrose Injection (D5W).

The recommended volume of diluent for reconstitution varies depending on the strength of the cefoxitin vial being used.

The cefoxitin IV push should be administered slowly and steadily over a period of 3 to 5 minutes.

Cefoxitin should not be mixed with aminoglycoside antibiotics in the same IV solution. They must be administered separately if required.

The reconstituted solution should be clear and may range from colorless to a light amber color. If the solution contains particulate matter or appears cloudy, it should not be used.

Reconstituted cefoxitin solutions have limited stability and must be used within the specified timeframes based on storage conditions (room temperature vs. refrigeration).

After injecting the diluent into the vial, shake it thoroughly to dissolve the powder. Allow the solution to stand briefly until it becomes clear before drawing it up for administration.

In infants and children under three months, diluents containing benzyl alcohol should generally be avoided unless necessary.