Cefdinir is indicated for the treatment of the following infections:

• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Acute maxillary sinusitis
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
• Acute bacterial otitis media
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections

Cefdinir is a semisynthetic, third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. It is effective against a wide range of common pathogens, including β-lactamase–producing strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Like other cephalosporins, cefdinir exerts its bactericidal effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

The total daily dose for all infections is 600 mg. The dosage schedule is given in the following:

Powder for Oral Suspension: The total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg body weight up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. The dosage schedule of oral suspension for pediatric patients as follows:

Direction for Reconstitution of Powder for Suspension: Shake the bottle well so that powder does not clog. Add 40 ml (8 x 5 ml spoonful) boiled and cooled water with the provided 5ml spoon to the bottle. Shake well until all powder is dispersed. Reconstituted suspension should be used within 10 days of preparation if kept at room temperature or within 14 days if kept in a refrigerator. Shake the bottle well before use.

Antacids: Cefdinir should be taken at least 2 hours apart from antacid administration.

Iron supplements: Cefdinir should be taken with a minimum 2-hour interval from iron supplements.

Probenecid: Probenecid reduces the renal excretion of cefdinir.

Cefdinir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Common adverse effects include diarrhea, vaginal moniliasis, nausea, vomiting, headache, and skin rash.

Cefdinir is classified as pregnancy category B. However, adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are lacking, so it should be used only if clearly necessary. Following administration of a single 600 mg dose, cefdinir has not been detected in breast milk.

Cefdinir, like other broad-spectrum antibiotics, should be used cautiously in patients with a history of colitis. In patients with transient or persistent renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), the total daily dose should be reduced.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Store at room temperature and protect from light. After reconstitution, the suspension should be used within 7 days if kept at room temperature and within 14 days if refrigerated (2–8°C). Keep the bottle tightly closed.