From the FDA Drug Label
Cefditoren Pivoxil is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections in adults and adolescents (12 years of age or older) which are caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including ß-lactamase-producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including ß-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin susceptible strains only), or Moraxella catarrhalis (including ß-lactamase-producing strains) Community-Acquired Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including ß-lactamase-producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including ß-lactamase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or Moraxella catarrhalis (including ß-lactamase producing strains). Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Uncomplicated Skin and Skin-Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including ß-lactamase-producing strains) or Streptococcus pyogenes
The use of Cefditoren (Cefditoren pivoxil) is for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
- Uncomplicated Skin and Skin-Structure Infections 1
From the Research
Cefditoren pivoxil is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic primarily used to treat respiratory tract infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin infections. The typical adult dosage is 200-400 mg twice daily for 10-14 days, depending on the infection severity, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. It should be taken with food to enhance absorption. Patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) require dose adjustment to 200 mg once daily. Cefditoren works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, as demonstrated in studies such as 4 and 5.
Some key points to consider when using cefditoren pivoxil include:
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain, as reported in studies such as 6 and 3.
- It's contraindicated in patients with carnitine deficiency or those on a milk protein-free diet due to its metabolism.
- Cefditoren should not be used in patients with severe penicillin allergy due to potential cross-reactivity.
- The pivoxil component is a prodrug ester that improves oral absorption and is converted to active cefditoren in the body, as explained in 6 and 5.
Overall, cefditoren pivoxil is a useful antibiotic for the treatment of various respiratory tract and skin infections, with a favorable efficacy and safety profile, as supported by the majority of the studies, including 4, 2, and 3.