Cefdinir

Cefdinir, also known as Omnicef, is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the third generation of the cephalosporin class. It has been proven to be effective for the treatment of common bacterial infections in the ear, sinus, throat, lungs, and skin. Cefdinir was approved by the FDA in 1997 to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections and was initially marketed by Abbvie. Because of its chemical structure, it is effective against organisms that are resistant to first-line cephalosporin therapy due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes.

Cefdinir is indicated to treat acute bacterial otitis media, acute maxillary sinusitis, community-acquired (CA) pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in children and adults.

The organisms susceptible to cefdinir have been listed below in addition to their associated clinical condition that may be treated with cefdinir. Various beta-lactamase producing organisms may be treated, as indicated in certain sections below.

Respiratory

Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible only), and Moraxella catarrhalis

Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible only), and Moraxella catarrhalis

Ear, nose, and throat

Acute bacterial otitis media caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible only)

Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes

Pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes

Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Haemophilus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible only), and Moraxella catarrhalis

Skin and skin structure infections

Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes