#cefdinir

Brand Name: Omnicef

Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

Capsules: 300 mg.

Powder for Oral Suspension: 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL following reconstitution.

FDA Indications/Dosages:

Treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of Staph. aureus, Staph. pneumoniae, Strep. pyogenes, H. influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, M. catarrhalis, Staph. epidermidis. Strep. agalactiae, Citrobacter diversus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis in the following conditions; Community-Acquired Pneumonia in adults: 600 mg daily in two doses. Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in adults: 600 mg daily in one or two doses. Acute maxillary sinusitis: 600 mg daily in one or two doses. Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 600 mg daily in one or two doses. Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 600 mg daily in two doses. Acute bacterial otitis media in children: 600 mg daily in one or two doses. Children Dosages: Give 14 mg/kg/day. Renal Insufficiency (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) Dosages: 300 mg once a day.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin which inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis via acylation of the transpeptidase enzyme. This acylation occurs in the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis and is believed to be due to the structural similarity of the cephalosporin nucleus to D-alanyl-D-alanine. Cefdinir is eliminated via renal excretion. Peak plasma levels are reached in 2-4 hours. 60-70% is bound to serum proteins. Food does not significantly alter the pharmacodynamics of cefdinir.

Drug Interactions: Aluminum or magnesium antacids and iron supplements decrease the bioavailability of cefdinir significantly Probenecid inhibits renal excretion, thereby increasing plasma levels.

Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to penicillins and/or cephalosporins. The estimated incidence of cross-sensitive ranges up to 10%. Use with caution in patients with renal function impairments. Cefdinir should not be given within 2 hours of antacids or iron supplements. Cases of pseudomembranous colitis and Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea have occurred during treatment with cephalosporins. Persistent or severe diarrhea should be reported to a physician. Pregnancy Category B.

Adverse Effects: Diarrhea (16%), vaginal moniliasis (5% or women), nausea (3%), headache (2%), and abdominal pain (1%).

Patient Consultation:

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.

Shake suspension well before using.

Do not take antacids or iron supplements within 2 hours of each dose.

Discard unused suspension after 10 days of mixing.

Contact a physician if the above side effects, especially diarrhea, are severe or persistent.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible and return to normal dosing schedule.