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)
Cefdinir Coverage Against MSSA:
- Cefdinir is active against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
- The drug label explicitly states that cefdinir is effective against MSSA, indicating good coverage against this microorganism 1, 1.
- Key points to consider:
- Cefdinir's mechanism of action involves inhibition of cell wall synthesis.
- The drug is stable in the presence of some β-lactamase enzymes, making it effective against certain bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
From the Research
Yes, cefdinir has good coverage against Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that effectively treats infections caused by MSSA. The typical adult dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10-14 days, depending on the infection type and severity. For children, the dosage is usually 7 mg/kg twice daily or 14 mg/kg once daily, not exceeding the adult dose. Cefdinir works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, specifically binding to penicillin-binding proteins which disrupts the peptidoglycan layer essential for bacterial cell wall integrity.
Key Points
- Cefdinir is effective against MSSA, with a clinical cure rate of 93% in patients with MSSA infections, as shown in a study comparing cefdinir to cephalexin 2.
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2006, which demonstrated the efficacy of cefdinir against MSSA 2.
- While cefdinir is effective against MSSA, it's essential to note that it does not cover Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Common side effects of cefdinir include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
- Cefdinir should be taken with food to enhance absorption, and patients should complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before completion.
Considerations
- Other antibiotics, such as cefazolin and ceftriaxone, may also be effective against MSSA, but cefdinir has been shown to be a viable option 2, 3.
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the specific infection type, severity, and patient factors, such as allergy history and renal function.
- It's crucial to monitor patients for signs of treatment failure or adverse reactions and adjust the treatment plan as needed.