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, with the specific dose depending on infection severity, as shown in 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. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain, as reported in studies such as 4 and 5. 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 2 and 6. Some key points to consider when using cefditoren pivoxil include:
- It should be avoided in patients with carnitine deficiency or those on valproic acid due to potential interactions.
- Patients with penicillin allergy may also be allergic to cefditoren.
- The pivoxil component is a prodrug ester that improves oral absorption and is converted to active cefditoren in the body. Overall, cefditoren pivoxil is a useful option for the treatment of adult and adolescent patients with specific respiratory tract or skin infections, particularly if there is concern about Streptococcus pneumoniae with decreased susceptibility to penicillin, or beta-lactamase-mediated resistance among the common community-acquired pathogens, as noted in studies such as 2 and 3.