Cefdinir
Cefdinir Prescribing Information
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefdinir for oral suspension, USP and other antibacterial drugs, cefdinir for oral suspension, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Cefdinir for oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below.
Adults and Adolescents
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains) (see CLINICAL STUDIES).
Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
Caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains).
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
Caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains).
NOTE: For information on use in pediatric patients, see Pediatric Use and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (see CLINICAL STUDIES).
NOTE: Cefdinir is effective in the eradication of S. pyogenes from the oropharynx. Cefdinir has not, however, been studied for the prevention of rheumatic fever following S. pyogenes pharyngitis/tonsillitis. Only intramuscular penicillin has been demonstrated to be effective for the prevention of rheumatic fever.
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Pediatric Patients
Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase producing strains).
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (see CLINICAL STUDIES).
NOTE: Cefdinir is effective in the eradication of S. pyogenes from the oropharynx. Cefdinir has not, however, been studied for the prevention of rheumatic fever following S. pyogenes pharyngitis/tonsillitis. Only intramuscular penicillin has been demonstrated to be effective for the prevention of rheumatic fever.
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
(See INDICATIONS AND USAGE for Indicated Pathogens.)
Powder for Oral Suspension
The recommended dosage and duration of treatment for infections in pediatric patients are described in the following chart; the total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. Once-daily dosing for 10 days is as effective as BID dosing. Once-daily dosing has not been studied in skin infections; therefore, cefdinir for oral suspension USP should be administered twice daily in this infection. Cefdinir for oral suspension USP may be administered without regard to meals.
Type of Infection | Dosage | Duration |
Acute Bacterial Otitis Media | 7 mg/kg q12h | 5 to 10 days |
or | ||
14 mg/kg q24h | 10 days | |
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis | 7 mg/kg q12h | 10 days |
or | ||
14 mg/kg q24h | 10 days | |
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis | 7 mg/kg q12h | 5 to 10 days |
or | ||
14 mg/kg q24h | 10 days | |
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections | 7 mg/kg q12h | 10 days |
Weight | 125 mg/5 mL | 250 mg/5 mL |
9 kg/20 lbs | 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h | Use 125 mg/5 mL product |
18 kg/40 lbs | 5 mL q12h or 10 mL q24h | 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h |
27 kg/60 lbs | 7.5 mL q12h or 15 mL q24h | 3.75 mL q12h or 7.5mL q24h |
36 kg/80 lbs | 10 mL q12h or 20 mL q24h | 5 mL q12h or 10 mL q24h |
≥ 43 kg1/95 lbs | 12 mL q12h or 24 mL q24h | 6 mL q12h or 12 mL q24h |
1. Pediatric patients who weigh ≥ 43 kg should receive the maximum daily dose of 600 mg.
Patients With Renal Insufficiency
For adult patients with creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, the dose of cefdinir should be 300 mg given once daily.
Creatinine clearance is difficult to measure in outpatients. However, the following formula may be used to estimate creatinine clearance (CLcr) in adult patients. For estimates to be valid, serum creatinine levels should reflect steady-state levels of renal function.
Males: | CLcr = | (weight) (140 − age) |
(72) (serum creatinine) | ||
Females: | CLcr = | 0.85 × above value |
where creatinine clearance is in mL/min, age is in years, weight is in kilograms, and serum creatinine is in mg/dL.1
The following formula may be used to estimate creatinine clearance in pediatric patients:
CLcr = K × | body length or height |
serum creatinine |
where K = 0.55 for pediatric patients older than 1 year2 and 0.45 for infants (up to 1 year)3.
In the above equation, creatinine clearance is in mL/min/1.73 m2, body length or height is in centimeters, and serum creatinine is in mg/dL.
For pediatric patients with a creatinine clearance of < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, the dose of cefdinir should be 7 mg/kg (up to 300 mg) given once daily.
Patients on Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis removes cefdinir from the body. In patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis, the recommended initial dosage regimen is a 300 mg or 7 mg/kg dose every other day.
At the conclusion of each hemodialysis session, 300 mg (or 7 mg/kg) should be given. Subsequent doses (300 mg or 7 mg/kg) are then administered every other day.
Final Concentration | Final Volume (mL) | Amount of Water | Directions |
125 mg/5 mL | 60 | 50 mL | Tap bottle to loosen powder, then add water in 2 portions. Shake well after each aliquot. |
100 | 80 mL | ||
250 mg/5 mL | 60 | 49 mL | Tap bottle to loosen powder, then add water in 2 portions. Shake well after each aliquot. |
100 | 80 mL |
After mixing, the suspension can be stored at room temperature (25°C/77°F). The container should be kept tightly closed, and the suspension should be shaken well before each administration. The suspension may be used for 10 days, after which any unused portion must be discarded.
Patients on Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis removes cefdinir from the body. In patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis, the recommended initial dosage regimen is a 300 mg or 7 mg/kg dose every other day.
At the conclusion of each hemodialysis session, 300 mg (or 7 mg/kg) should be given. Subsequent doses (300 mg or 7 mg/kg) are then administered every other day.
Final Concentration | Final Volume (mL) | Amount of Water | Directions |
125 mg/5 mL | 60 | 50 mL | Tap bottle to loosen powder, then add water in 2 portions. Shake well after each aliquot. |
100 | 80 mL | ||
250 mg/5 mL | 60 | 49 mL | Tap bottle to loosen powder, then add water in 2 portions. Shake well after each aliquot. |
100 | 80 mL |
After mixing, the suspension can be stored at room temperature (25°C/77°F). The container should be kept tightly closed, and the suspension should be shaken well before each administration. The suspension may be used for 10 days, after which any unused portion must be discarded.
Cefdinir for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.
Clinical Trials
Cefdinir for Oral Suspension (Pediatric Patients)
In clinical trials, 2289 pediatric patients (1783 U.S. and 506 non-U.S.) were treated with the recommended dose of cefdinir suspension (14 mg/kg/day). Most adverse events were mild and self-limiting. No deaths or permanent disabilities were attributed to cefdinir. Forty of 2289 (2%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse events considered by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or definitely associated with cefdinir therapy. Discontinuations were primarily for gastrointestinal disturbances, usually diarrhea. Five of 2289 (0.2%) patients were discontinued due to rash thought related to cefdinir administration.
In the U.S., the following adverse events were thought by investigators to be possibly, probably, or definitely related to cefdinir suspension in multiple-dose clinical trials (N = 1783 cefdinir-treated patients):
Incidence ≥ 1% | Diarrhea | 8% |
Rash | 3% | |
Vomiting | 1% | |
Incidence < 1% but > 0.1% | Cutaneous moniliasis | 0.9% |
Abdominal pain | 0.8% | |
Leukopenia2 | 0.3% | |
Vaginal moniliasis | 0.3% of girls | |
Vaginitis | 0.3% of girls | |
Abnormal stools | 0.2% | |
Dyspepsia | 0.2% | |
Hyperkinesia | 0.2% | |
Increased AST2 | 0.2% | |
Maculopapular rash | 0.2% | |
Nausea | 0.2% | |
| 1. 977 males, 806 females 2. Laboratory changes were occasionally reported as adverse events. | ||
NOTE: In both cefdinir- and control-treated patients, rates of diarrhea and rash were higher in the youngest pediatric patients. The incidence of diarrhea in cefdinir-treated patients ≤ 2 years of age was 17% (95/557) compared with 4% (51/1226) in those > 2 years old. The incidence of rash (primarily diaper rash in the younger patients) was 8% (43/557) in patients ≤ 2 years of age compared with 1% (8/1226) in those > 2 years old.
The following laboratory value changes of possible clinical significance, irrespective of relationship to therapy with cefdinir, were seen during clinical trials conducted in the U.S.:
Incidence ≥ 1% | ↑Lymphocytes, ↓Lymphocytes | 2%, 0.8% |
↑Alkaline phosphatase | 1% | |
↓Bicarbonate1 | 1% | |
↑Eosinophils | 1% | |
↑Lactate dehydrogenase | 1% | |
↑Platelets | 1% | |
↑PMNs, ↓PMNs | 1%, 1% | |
↑Urine protein | 1% | |
Incidence < 1% but > 0.1% | ↑Phosphorus, ↓Phosphorus | 0.9%, 0.4% |
↑Urine pH | 0.8% | |
↓White blood cells, ↑White blood cells | 0.7%, 0.3% | |
↓Calcium1 | 0.5% | |
↓Hemoglobin | 0.5% | |
↑Urine leukocytes | 0.5% | |
↑Monocytes | 0.4% | |
↑AST | 0.3% | |
↑Potassium1 | 0.3% | |
↑Urine specific gravity, ↓Urine specific gravity | 0.3%, 0.1% | |
↓Hematocrit1 | 0.2% | |
| 1. N = 1387 for these parameters | ||
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse experiences and altered laboratory tests, regardless of their relationship to cefdinir, have been reported during extensive postmarketing experience, beginning with approval in Japan in 1991: shock, anaphylaxis with rare cases of fatality, facial and laryngeal edema, feeling of suffocation, serum sickness-like reactions, conjunctivitis, stomatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, acute hepatitis, cholestasis, fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, jaundice, increased amylase, acute enterocolitis, bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, melena, pseudomembranous colitis, pancytopenia, granulocytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, acute respiratory failure, asthmatic attack, drug-induced pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, fever, acute renal failure, nephropathy, bleeding tendency, coagulation disorder, disseminated intravascular coagulation, upper GI bleed, peptic ulcer, ileus, loss of consciousness, allergic vasculitis, possible cefdinir-diclofenac interaction, cardiac failure, chest pain, myocardial infarction, hypertension, involuntary movements, and rhabdomyolysis.
Cephalosporin Class Adverse Events
The following adverse events and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics in general:
Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, false-positive test for urinary glucose, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis. Pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may begin during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS).
Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and OVERDOSAGE). If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
Antacids (Aluminum- or Magnesium-Containing)
Concomitant administration of 300 mg cefdinir capsules with 30 mL Maalox® TC suspension reduces the rate (Cmax) and extent (AUC) of absorption by approximately 40%. Time to reach Cmax is also prolonged by 1 hour. There are no significant effects on cefdinir pharmacokinetics if the antacid is administered 2 hours before or 2 hours after cefdinir. If antacids are required during cefdinir for oral suspension therapy, cefdinir for oral suspension should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the antacid.
Probenecid
As with other β-lactam antibiotics, probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of cefdinir, resulting in an approximate doubling in AUC, a 54% increase in peak cefdinir plasma levels, and a 50% prolongation in the apparent elimination t½.
Iron Supplements and Foods Fortified With Iron
Concomitant administration of cefdinir with a therapeutic iron supplement containing 60 mg of elemental iron (as FeSO4) or vitamins supplemented with 10 mg of elemental iron reduced extent of absorption by 80% and 31%, respectively. If iron supplements are required during cefdinir for oral suspension therapy, cefdinir for oral suspension should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the supplement.
The effect of foods highly fortified with elemental iron (primarily iron-fortified breakfast cereals) on cefdinir absorption has not been studied.
Concomitantly administered iron-fortified infant formula (2.2 mg elemental iron/6 oz) has no significant effect on cefdinir pharmacokinetics. Therefore, cefdinir for oral suspension can be administered with iron-fortified infant formula.
There have been reports of reddish stools in patients receiving cefdinir. In many cases, patients were also receiving iron-containing products. The reddish color is due to the formation of a nonabsorbable complex between cefdinir or its breakdown products and iron in the gastrointestinal tract.