From the Guidelines
Cefdinir is an appropriate treatment option for heavy growth of Haemophilus influenzae, as listed as an alternative oral therapy in the guidelines. According to the clinical practice guidelines by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, cefdinir is one of the alternative oral therapies for Haemophilus influenzae. The recommended dosage for cefdinir is not specified in the guidelines, but it is generally recommended to be 14 mg/kg/day divided into one or two doses, not exceeding 600 mg daily.
Key Considerations
- Cefdinir is effective against H. influenzae, including beta-lactamase producing strains, because it is a third-generation cephalosporin with good coverage against gram-negative organisms.
- Alternative treatments include amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, or other antibiotics, but the choice of treatment should be based on susceptibility testing and clinical judgment.
- Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion.
- Those with penicillin or cephalosporin allergies should inform their healthcare provider, as alternative antibiotics may be needed.
Treatment Duration and Dosage
- The treatment duration for Haemophilus influenzae infections is typically 10 days, but the exact duration may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.
- The dosage of cefdinir should not exceed the recommended adult dose, and adequate hydration should be maintained during treatment to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
- Cefdinir can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, and patients should be monitored for signs of treatment failure or adverse reactions.
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)
The treatment for heavy growth of Haemophilus influenzae with Cefdinir is to use Cefdinir for oral suspension, as it is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of Haemophilus influenzae.
- Key Points:
- Cefdinir is effective against Haemophilus influenzae, including β-lactamase producing strains.
- It is used to treat mild to moderate infections.
- The dosage should be adjusted in patients with markedly compromised renal function or who are undergoing hemodialysis. 2
From the Research
Treatment for Heavy Growth of Haemophilus influenzae with Cefdinir
- Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with good in vitro activity against Haemophilus influenzae, making it a suitable treatment option for infections caused by this pathogen 3, 4.
- The recommended dosage of cefdinir for adults and adolescents is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily, while for pediatric patients, it is 14 mg/kg/day in one or two daily doses 3.
- Cefdinir has shown good clinical and bacteriological efficacy in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including those caused by Haemophilus influenzae, with a cure rate of approximately 90% 5.
- The treatment duration for cefdinir is typically 5 or 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment 3, 4.
- Cefdinir is generally well tolerated, with diarrhea being the most common adverse event, occurring in approximately 20% of patients 5, 6.
Efficacy of Cefdinir against Haemophilus influenzae
- Cefdinir has been shown to be effective against Haemophilus influenzae, including beta-lactamase-producing strains, with microbiologic eradication rates similar to those of other antimicrobial agents 4, 5.
- Cefdinir's broad-spectrum activity and stability against beta-lactamases make it a suitable option for the treatment of infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, particularly in areas with high rates of beta-lactamase production 3, 4.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of cefdinir in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, where Haemophilus influenzae is a common pathogen 7.