Generic
Cefdinir
18 brands available in the market
At a glance
Cefdinir is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. It kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Description
Cefdinir is a semisynthetic third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against a wide range of common pathogens, including β-lactamase-producing strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis.
Cefdinir is indicated for community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
Indications
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Acute maxillary sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
- Acute bacterial otitis media
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
Therapeutic class
Third generation cephalosporins
Pharmacological class
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Cefdinir is a semisynthetic third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against common pathogens, including β-lactamase-producing strains. As with other cephalosporins, its bactericidal activity results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis.
Mechanism of action
Cefdinir binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall, preventing cell wall assembly and causing bacterial cell death.
Dosage
Adults (Total daily dose 600 mg for all infections):
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 300 mg twice daily OR 600 mg once daily (5-10 days)
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 300 mg twice daily OR 600 mg once daily (10 days)
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 300 mg twice daily OR 600 mg once daily (10 days)
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 300 mg twice daily OR 600 mg once daily (10 days)
• Community-acquired pneumonia: 300 mg twice daily (10 days)
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 300 mg twice daily (10 days)
Children (Suspension, total daily dose 14 mg/kg, max 600 mg/day):
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 7 mg/kg twice daily OR 14 mg/kg once daily (5-10 days)
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 7 mg/kg twice daily OR 14 mg/kg once daily (10 days)
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 7 mg/kg twice daily OR 14 mg/kg once daily (10 days)
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 7 mg/kg twice daily (10 days)
Renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): 300 mg once daily
Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment needed.
Administration
May be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day. Allow at least 2 hours between cefdinir and antacids or iron supplements. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew, crush, or break. Shake suspension well before use. After reconstitution, suspension can be used for 7 days at room temperature and 14 days in the refrigerator.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common side effects: Diarrhea, vaginal moniliasis, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash.
Iron supplements may cause reddish stools (harmless).
Precautions & warnings
- Prescribing in the absence of proven bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit and increases the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.
- Caution in patients with history of colitis.
- If rash, itching, swelling of face/mouth, or difficulty breathing occurs, discontinue and inform your doctor.
- Severe and persistent diarrhea may indicate pseudomembranous colitis.
- Dose adjustment required in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min: 300 mg/day).
- Allow at least 2 hours between antacids/iron supplements and cefdinir.
- Avoid alcohol consumption (may increase side effects).
Contraindications
- Known allergy to cephalosporin class of antibiotics
Drug interactions
- Antacids (aluminum- or magnesium-containing): Reduce the rate and extent of cefdinir absorption; allow at least 2 hours gap.
- Iron supplements: Reduce the rate and extent of absorption; allow at least 2 hours gap (may cause reddish stools).
- Probenecid: Inhibits renal excretion of cefdinir.
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption is unsafe (may cause excessive drowsiness and increased side effects). Allow at least 2 hours between antacids/iron supplements and cefdinir.
Use in pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B). Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects; limited human studies available. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Safe during breastfeeding (if prescribed). Cefdinir was not detected in breast milk after administration of single 600 mg doses. Avoid prolonged use (risk of rash and diarrhea).
Pediatric use
Children: 14 mg/kg/day (max 600 mg/day). Children 12 years or >43 kg: Adult dosage.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment required for elderly; adjust dose based on renal function.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Treatment: Supportive and symptomatic.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature, protected from light. After reconstitution, suspension can be used for 7 days at room temperature and 14 days in the refrigerator (2-8°C). Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Chemical structure
Cefdinir (Third Generation Cephalosporin)