From the FDA Drug Label
Cefditoren Pivoxil tablets contain cefditoren pivoxil, a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. The name of Cefditoren (Cefditoren pivoxil) is Cefditoren pivoxil or simply Cefditoren when referring to the active form of the drug 1.
- The prodrug is called Cefditoren pivoxil
- The active drug is called Cefditoren
From the Research
Cefditoren pivoxil is the full name of the medication, also known as Spectracef or Meiact, which is an oral third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, cefditoren, in the body after absorption. Cefditoren pivoxil is used to treat various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis), skin infections, and pharyngitis/tonsillitis. The typical adult dosage ranges from 200 to 400 mg twice daily for 10-14 days, depending on the severity and type of infection, as reported in studies such as 2.
Key Points
- The pivoxil ester component improves oral bioavailability by enhancing absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Once absorbed, intestinal and plasma esterases cleave the pivoxil group, releasing the active cefditoren molecule that exerts antibacterial activity by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain, as noted in studies like 3 and 4.
- It should be taken with food to increase absorption and patients should complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before completion.
Clinical Use
Cefditoren pivoxil has been shown to be effective in treating various bacterial infections, including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, as demonstrated in studies such as 5 and 6. However, it is not effective against atypical pathogens, including Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella sp, or against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacteroides fragilis, as mentioned in 4.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration of cefditoren pivoxil may vary depending on the severity and type of infection, but typical adult dosages range from 200 to 400 mg twice daily for 10-14 days, as reported in studies such as 2 and 3. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and complete the full course of treatment to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.