From the Guidelines
Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae Infection with Cefdinir
Cefdinir is a suitable option for the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection. The recommended dose is 300 mg orally twice daily for 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment 1.
- Key Considerations:
- In severe cases or for patients with compromised renal function, the dose may need to be adjusted 1.
- It is essential to complete the full treatment course to ensure eradication of the infection and prevent the development of resistance 1.
- Monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting the treatment plan as needed is crucial 1.
- Alternative Treatments:
- For patients with a history of penicillin allergy, cefdinir, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, and ceftriaxone are highly unlikely to be associated with cross-reactivity 1.
- Other treatment options include amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and azithromycin, depending on the patient's specific needs and medical history 1.
- Important Notes:
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefdinir has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE Gram-Positive Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only) Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only) Streptococcus pyogenes Gram-Negative Bacteria Haemophilus influenzae Haemophilus parainfluenzae Moraxella catarrhalis
Cefdinir is effective against Haemophilus influenzae infections, including β-lactamase producing strains. It is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of Haemophilus influenzae in conditions such as:
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
- Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
- Acute Bacterial Otitis Media 2, 2
From the Research
Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection with Cefdinir
- Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with good in vitro activity against many pathogens commonly causative in community-acquired infections, including Haemophilus influenzae 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The drug provides good coverage against Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common respiratory tract pathogens 3.
- Cefdinir is stable to hydrolysis by commonly occurring plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases and retains good activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 3, 5, 6.
- Clinical efficacy of cefdinir has been demonstrated in the treatment of a wide range of mild-to-moderate infections of the respiratory tract and skin in adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients in randomized, controlled trials 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy against Haemophilus influenzae
- Cefdinir has shown good clinical and bacteriological efficacy in the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, including acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia 3, 4.
- The drug has also been effective in the treatment of other infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, such as acute otitis media and sinusitis 4, 5.
- Cefdinir is at least as effective as other oral agents, including amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefprozil, in the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infections 3, 4.
Safety and Tolerability
- Cefdinir is usually well tolerated, with diarrhea being the most common adverse event in trials in all age groups 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The incidence of diarrhea in cefdinir recipients is generally higher than in adults and adolescents treated with comparators, but discontinuation rates due to adverse events are generally similar for cefdinir and comparator groups 3.