Cefoxitin versus clindamycin and gentamicin in the treatment of postcesarean section infections

Cefoxitin, a cefamycin derivative, has demonstrated activity against a broad spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial pathogens. The efficacy and safety of cefoxitin were compared with that of the combination of clindamycin and gentamicin in the treatment of postcesarean section infection. Ninety-eight patients were evaluated. Cefoxitin cured 36 of 48 patients (75%); clindamycin/gentamicin cured 38 of 50 (76%) (P greater than .05). Febrile degree hours and length of hospital stay did not differ between the two study groups. No patient experienced abscess formation or septic pelvic thrombophlebitis. Both therapies were well tolerated. In the authors' experience, cefoxitin as a single agent was as effective in the treatment of postoperative pelvic infection as the combination of clindamycin and gentamicin.