From the Guidelines
Cefdinir is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate bacterial infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, and pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. The indications for cefdinir are based on its effectiveness against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as seen in studies such as 1 and 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing cefdinir include:
- The typical adult dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days, depending on the infection type.
- For children, the dosage is weight-based at 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily, not exceeding adult dosages.
- Patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) require dose adjustment to 300 mg once daily.
- Cefdinir works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- However, it should not be used for infections caused by MRSA or Pseudomonas.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
- Patients should take the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before completion.
It's also important to note that cefdinir can be used as an alternative therapy for certain infections, as seen in studies such as 1 and 1. For example, cefdinir can be used as an alternative to amoxicillin/clavulanate for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults and children.
Overall, cefdinir is a useful antibiotic for the treatment of a range of bacterial infections, and its effectiveness and safety profile make it a good option for many patients.
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 indications for cefdinir are:
- 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
Indications for Cefdinir
Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, and its indications include:
- Community-acquired respiratory tract infections, such as:
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Dosage and Administration
Cefdinir can be administered orally, with a dosage of:
- 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily in adults and adolescents 3
- 14 mg/kg/day in one or two daily doses in pediatric patients 3
- Treatment duration is typically 5 or 10 days, depending on the infection being treated 3, 4
Efficacy and Safety
Cefdinir has shown good clinical and bacteriological efficacy in the treatment of various infections, with a safety profile similar to that of comparator agents 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The most common adverse event reported is diarrhea 4, 5, 7.