From the Research
For community-acquired pneumonia in adults, cefdinir is typically dosed at 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10-14 days. The twice-daily regimen may be preferred for more severe infections. Cefdinir should be taken with or without food, though high-fat meals may slightly decrease absorption. Patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) require dose adjustment to 300 mg once daily. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Cefdinir works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, and is effective against many respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion. If the patient has a penicillin allergy, caution should be exercised as there is potential for cross-reactivity with cephalosporins like cefdinir, though this risk is relatively low with third-generation cephalosporins 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing cefdinir for community-acquired pneumonia include:
- The drug's broad-spectrum activity against common respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 2
- The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize the risk of resistance development 3
- The potential for diarrhea as a common side effect, which may be more frequent with cefdinir compared to other antibiotics 4
- The need for dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment to minimize the risk of adverse effects 1
Overall, cefdinir is a viable treatment option for community-acquired pneumonia in adults, offering a convenient dosing regimen and broad-spectrum activity against common respiratory pathogens. However, it's crucial to consider the patient's individual needs and medical history when selecting an antibiotic regimen.