From the Guidelines
Cefdinir is not the first-line treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), but it can be effective in certain cases, particularly for mild to moderate CAP in outpatient settings. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, recommends a minimum of 5 days of antibiotics for CAP, with extension of therapy guided by validated measures of clinical stability. Cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, can be used for mild to moderate CAP, particularly for patients who can be treated at home. The typical adult dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10-14 days, and for children, the recommended dose is 7 mg/kg twice daily or 14 mg/kg once daily (not exceeding adult doses), with duration also typically 10-14 days. Some key points to consider when using cefdinir for CAP include:
- Cefdinir works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is effective against many common CAP pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- However, cefdinir may not be appropriate for all CAP cases, particularly those caused by atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Legionella, or in severe cases requiring hospitalization.
- Patients should take cefdinir with or without food, though absorption may be reduced when taken with iron supplements or iron-fortified foods.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
- If symptoms worsen or don't improve within a few days, patients should contact their healthcare provider as alternative antibiotics may be needed. It's also important to note that the 2019 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) guideline for the treatment of CAP recommends a minimum of 5 days of antibiotics, but qualifies this recommendation to include validated measures of clinical stability, such as resolution of vital sign abnormalities, ability to eat, and normal mentation, as mentioned in 1 and 1.
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)
Cefdinir is effective for treating Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) caused by specific bacteria, including:
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only)
- Moraxella catarrhalis 2
From the Research
Effectiveness of Cefdinir for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
- Cefdinir has been shown to be effective in treating CAP, with studies demonstrating its efficacy against common respiratory tract pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae 3, 4, 5.
- Clinical trials have compared cefdinir to other antibiotics, such as cefaclor, and found similar or superior efficacy in treating CAP 6, 7.
- The microbiological eradication rates and clinical response rates for cefdinir in treating CAP have been reported to be high, with satisfactory clinical response rates ranging from 86% to 93% 6, 7.
Comparison to Other Antibiotics
- Cefdinir has been compared to cefaclor in several studies, with results showing similar efficacy and safety profiles 6, 7.
- Cefdinir has also been compared to other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefprozil, and found to be at least as effective in treating CAP 3, 4.