Cefdinir: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Respiratory Tract Infections

Cefdinir is an FDA-approved, established treatment for community-acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity and for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, caused by susceptible organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections

Cefdinir is an established treatment for acute bacterial otitis media in pediatric patients and for acute maxillary sinusitis and pharyngitis/tonsillitis in both adults and children caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus), S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis. For streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis, Cefdinir is a guideline-supported alternative for patients who cannot use first-line penicillin therapy.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Cefdinir is an established treatment for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, such as mild to moderate cellulitis, wound infections, and abscesses, caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible only) and S. pyogenes.

Penicillin-Allergic Patients

Because Cefdinir is a cephalosporin rather than a penicillin, it is sometimes used as an alternative agent for patients with a documented penicillin allergy who require treatment for one of the infections above; however, patients with a history of severe or anaphylactic penicillin allergy should generally avoid all beta-lactam antibiotics, including Cefdinir, given the possibility of cross-reactivity (see Contraindications and Precautions and Warnings).

Cefdinir is not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), atypical respiratory pathogens such as Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila species, or viral infections, and should be reserved for infections proven or strongly suspected to be due to susceptible bacteria.

The dose, frequency, and duration of Cefdinir vary by the specific infection being treated, patient age, and kidney function, and must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional. As an antibiotic, Cefdinir must always be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician; the patient should not stop, extend, skip doses of, or share Cefdinir with others without medical advice, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished, because doing so can allow the infection to return and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea (most common; higher rate in young children)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Vaginal moniliasis (yeast infection) in women
• Skin rash, more frequent in young children and often related to diaper area
• Reddish/rust-colored stool discoloration (harmless; not blood — see FAQ)

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

• Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea that does not improve, which may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated colitis
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or widespread rash (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which may indicate liver problems
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or persistent sore throat/fever, which may rarely indicate a blood disorder
• Seizures (reported rarely, particularly with high doses in patients with renal impairment)