What are the indications for Cefdinir (Cefdinir)?

From the Guidelines

Cefdinir is primarily indicated for treating mild to moderate bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and acute otitis media. The indications for cefdinir include community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis 1. It is also effective for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. The typical adult dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days, depending on the infection type, as seen in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis 1. For children, the dosage is weight-based, usually 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily, as recommended for the treatment of acute otitis media 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing cefdinir include:

• Cefdinir works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria 1.
• However, it should not be used for infections caused by MRSA or Pseudomonas.
• Patients with penicillin allergies should use cefdinir cautiously due to potential cross-reactivity, although recent data suggest that cross-reactivity among penicillins and cephalosporins is lower than historically reported 1.
• The medication should be taken with or without food, though dairy products may reduce absorption if taken simultaneously.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
• Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with significant renal impairment. In terms of specific recommendations, cefdinir is a recommended first-line treatment for acute otitis media in patients with penicillin allergy 1, and it is also an alternative treatment for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults and children 1. Overall, cefdinir is a useful antibiotic for treating a range of mild to moderate bacterial infections, but its use should be guided by careful consideration of the patient's medical history, allergy status, and renal function.

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), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Maxillary Sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains). Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes Pediatric Patients Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains). Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.

The indications of cefdinir are:

• Community-Acquired Pneumonia
• Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media 2

From the Research

Indications of Cefdinir

The indications of cefdinir are as follows:

• Community-acquired pneumonia 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Acute maxillary sinusitis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Acute bacterial otitis media 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis 5
• Streptococcal pharyngitis 5

Patient Population

Cefdinir is indicated for use in:

• Adults 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Adolescents 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Pediatric patients aged ≥6 months 5

Dosage

The recommended dosage of cefdinir is:

• 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily in adults and adolescents 3
• 14 mg/kg/day in one or two daily doses in pediatric patients 3