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ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANTIBACTERIALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › OTHER BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIALS › Third-generation cephalosporins
cefdinir
J01DD15
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 300 mg
- Oral Suspension: 125 mg/5 mL
- Oral Suspension: 250 mg/5 mL
Adult Dosing
- Community-acquired pneumonia: 300 mg PO q12h for 10 days
- Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 300 mg PO q12h or 600 mg PO q24h for 5-10 days
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: 300 mg PO q12h or 600 mg PO q24h for 10 days
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 300 mg PO q12h for 5-10 days or 600 mg PO q24h for 10 days
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 300 mg PO q12h for 10 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12h (or 14 mg/kg PO q24h)
- Maximum daily dose: 600 mg/day
- Acute media otitis: 7 mg/kg q12h for 5-10 days
- Acute maxillary sinusitis: 7 mg/kg q12h for 10 days
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 7 mg/kg q12h for 5-10 days
Indications
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis
- Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Acute otitis media
Mechanism of Action
- Third-generation cephalosporin antibacterial
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)
- Bactericidal activity against susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefdinir or other cephalosporin-class antibacterial drugs
- History of severe immediate hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to penicillins or other beta-lactams
Adverse Reactions
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginitis
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Reddish stools (when co-administered with iron products)
Drug Interactions
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: significantly decrease absorption; administer at least 2 hours apart
- Iron supplements and iron-fortified foods: significantly decrease absorption (can cause reddish stools); administer at least 2 hours apart
- Probenecid: inhibits renal tubular secretion of cefdinir, increasing plasma concentrations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use