Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection with Cefdinir?

From the Guidelines

Cefdinir is an effective treatment for Haemophilus influenzae infection, particularly for mild to moderate cases, with a recommended dosage of 14 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, not exceeding 600 mg daily for children, and 300 mg taken orally twice daily for 10 to 14 days for adults. The choice of cefdinir is based on its broad-spectrum activity against respiratory pathogens, including beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae, as well as its good tissue penetration and tolerability 1. According to the guidelines, cefdinir is listed as an alternative treatment for Haemophilus influenzae infection, with amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate being the preferred treatments 1. However, cefdinir's effectiveness against H. influenzae has been demonstrated in several studies, including one that showed eradication of the organism in 72% of patients with recurrent AOM attributable to H. influenzae 1.

When considering treatment options, it's essential to take into account the severity of the infection, patient allergies, and potential resistance patterns. For penicillin-allergic patients, cefdinir is a viable option, as the risk of cross-reactivity with penicillin is low, especially with second- and third-generation cephalosporins like cefdinir 1. The treatment duration should be tailored to the individual patient's response, with a minimum of 10 days and up to 14 days for more severe infections. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

In terms of specific dosing, the recommended dosage for children is 14 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, not exceeding 600 mg daily, while adults should take 300 mg orally twice daily for 10 to 14 days. It's also important to note that cefdinir is generally well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile, making it a suitable option for patients with Haemophilus influenzae infections. Overall, cefdinir is a reasonable choice for the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection, particularly in cases where first-line treatments are not suitable or effective.

From the FDA Drug Label

Cefdinir for oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below Adults and Adolescents Community-Acquired Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Maxillary Sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains) Pediatric Patients Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains)

Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection with Cefdinir:

• Cefdinir is indicated for the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, and acute bacterial otitis media.
• The drug is effective against β-lactamase producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae.
• However, β-lactamase negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) H. influenzae strains are typically non-susceptible to cefdinir 2.

From the Research

Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection with Cefdinir

• Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with good in vitro activity against Haemophilus influenzae, as well as other common respiratory tract pathogens 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The drug is stable to hydrolysis by commonly occurring plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases and retains good activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae 3, 4, 5, 7.
• Cefdinir has been shown to be effective in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including those caused by H. influenzae, in adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The clinical efficacy of cefdinir against H. influenzae has been demonstrated in several studies, with susceptibility rates ranging from 97.1 to 99.0% 6.
• Cefdinir can be administered once or twice daily for 5 or 10 days, depending on the infection being treated, and is generally well tolerated 3, 4, 5, 7.

Dosage and Administration

• The recommended dosage of cefdinir for the treatment of H. influenzae infections is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily in adults and adolescents, or 14 mg/kg/day in one or two daily doses in pediatric patients 3.
• Cefdinir can be administered with or without food, and the oral suspension has been shown to have superior taste or palatability over other comparator oral antimicrobial agents 3.

Efficacy and Safety

• Cefdinir has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of H. influenzae infections, with a low incidence of adverse events, including diarrhea, which is the most common adverse event reported 3, 4, 5, 7.
• The efficacy and safety of cefdinir have been demonstrated in several clinical trials, including those conducted in adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.