From the FDA Drug Label
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Cefdinir (Omnicef) is effective for treating skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Key points:
- Cefdinir is indicated for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
- The drug is effective against Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes. 1
From the Research
Cefdinir is an effective treatment option for certain skin infections, particularly those caused by susceptible bacteria, and should be considered for patients with allergies to other antibiotics or when specific susceptible organisms are identified. It's an oral cephalosporin antibiotic that works against many common skin pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus (except MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, and some gram-negative bacteria 2. For uncomplicated skin infections in adults, the typical dose is 300 mg twice daily for 10 days, while children receive weight-based dosing. However, cefdinir is not first-line therapy for all skin infections. Simple cellulitis is often treated first with other antibiotics like cephalexin or dicloxacillin.
Some key points to consider when prescribing cefdinir for skin infections include:
- The drug's broad spectrum of activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 3
- Its stability to hydrolysis by common beta-lactamases, making it effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 4
- The importance of completing the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure complete eradication of the infection
- Common side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and rash, which are generally mild and self-limiting 2
- The need for a healthcare provider to evaluate the specific type of skin infection before prescribing cefdinir to ensure it's the appropriate treatment.
It's also worth noting that cefdinir has been shown to be effective in the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, with clinical efficacy equivalent to that of other oral agents in randomized controlled trials 2. Overall, cefdinir is a useful option for the treatment of skin infections, particularly in patients with specific needs or allergies, and its effectiveness and safety profile make it a valuable addition to the antimicrobial armamentarium.