From the Guidelines
Cefdinir is used to treat various bacterial infections, including acute bacterial sinusitis, acute otitis media, and group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
Uses of Cefdinir
- Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: Cefdinir is a suitable agent for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, as it has activity against common respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae 1.
- Acute Otitis Media: Cefdinir is recommended as an alternative treatment for acute otitis media in patients with penicillin allergy, with a dosage of 14 mg/kg per day in 1 or 2 doses 1.
- Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Cefdinir is approved for a 5-day course of therapy for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, although it is not the first-line treatment due to its broader spectrum and higher cost compared to penicillin 1.
Important Considerations
- Penicillin Allergy: Cefdinir is considered a safe option for patients with penicillin allergy, as the risk of cross-reactivity is low due to its distinct chemical structure 1.
- Dosage and Administration: Cefdinir is available in oral formulations, including capsules and suspension, and is generally well tolerated, with a low risk of adverse effects 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefdinir and other antibacterial drugs, cefdinir should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria 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), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains) Acute Maxillary Sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains). Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes Pediatric Patients Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains). Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
The use of cefdinir is for the treatment of mild to moderate infections, including:
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
- Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
- Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
- Acute Bacterial Otitis Media 2
From the Research
Use of Cefdinir
- Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin used for the treatment of respiratory tract infections and skin and skin structure infections 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It has good in vitro activity against many pathogens responsible for community-acquired respiratory tract infections and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Cefdinir is effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 4, 5, 6.
Specific Uses
- Cefdinir is used to treat community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections in adult and pediatric patients 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is also effective in treating impetigo and secondary infection of preexisting dermatitis in pediatric patients 7.
Administration and Efficacy
- Cefdinir can be administered once or twice daily for 5 or 10 days, depending on the infection being treated 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Clinical trials have shown that cefdinir is effective and well-tolerated, with a similar adverse event profile to comparator agents 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Cefdinir has been shown to be at least as effective as other oral antimicrobial agents, including cefprozil, loracarbef, cefuroxime axetil, and cefaclor, in treating various infections 5.