From the Guidelines
Cefdinir is effective against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus species, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A streptococcus, as it is listed as an alternative oral therapy for these pathogens. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, cefdinir is a suitable option for treating infections caused by these organisms. The usual adult dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days, while children typically receive 7 mg/kg twice daily or 14 mg/kg once daily. Cefdinir is particularly useful for respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, and pharyngitis where these pathogens are common.
- Key points to consider when prescribing cefdinir include:
- The medication should be taken with or without food, though absorption may be reduced when taken with iron supplements or iron-fortified foods.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
- Cefdinir's effectiveness against these pathogens stems from its enhanced stability against beta-lactamase enzymes that some bacteria produce to resist antibiotics.
- It is essential to note that the susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae to amoxicillin has decreased in recent years, making cefdinir a viable alternative 1.
- Additionally, cefdinir is listed as an alternative therapy for Streptococcus pneumoniae in the guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults 1.
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), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (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 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
Cefdinir Coverage:
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae): Yes, cefdinir is effective against Hib, including β-lactamase producing strains 2.
- Strep (Streptococcus pyogenes): Yes, cefdinir is effective against Strep 2.
From the Research
Cefdinir Coverage
- Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with good in vitro activity against many pathogens commonly causative in community-acquired infections, including Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (strep) 3, 4, 5.
- The drug provides good coverage against Hib, Moraxella catarrhalis, and penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are common respiratory tract pathogens 3.
- Cefdinir is stable to hydrolysis by commonly occurring plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases and retains good activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 3, 5.
Efficacy Against Hib and Strep
- Cefdinir has shown good clinical and bacteriological efficacy in the treatment of mild-to-moderate infections of the respiratory tract, including those caused by Hib and strep 3, 4, 5.
- The drug has been shown to be effective against streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis, with efficacy similar to that of penicillin V 3, 5.
- Cefdinir has also been shown to be effective against acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, with efficacy similar to that of amoxicillin/clavulanate and levofloxacin 6.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the information will be presented as a continuation of the previous section
- It is worth noting that while cefdinir has been shown to be effective against Hib and strep, the efficacy of the drug can depend on various factors, including the severity of the infection and the presence of any underlying medical conditions 3, 4, 5.
- Additionally, cefdinir is usually well tolerated, with diarrhea being the most common adverse event reported in clinical trials 3, 4, 5.