Get your patient on Cefdinir - Cefdinir capsule (Cefdinir)

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Cefdinir - Cefdinir capsule prescribing information

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefdinir and other antibacterial drugs, cefdinir 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 capsules, USP are 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 .

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

(see INDICATIONS AND USAGE for Indicated Pathogens)

The recommended dosage and duration of treatment for infections in adults and adolescents are described in the following chart; the total daily dose for all infections is 600 mg. Once-daily dosing for 10 days is as effective as BID dosing. Once-daily dosing has not been studied in pneumonia or skin infections; therefore, cefdinir capsules should be administered twice daily in these infections. Cefdinir capsules may be taken without regard to meals.

Adults and Adolescents (Age 13 Years and Older)
Type of Infection Dosage Duration

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

300 mg q12h

10 days

Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis


300 mg q12h
or
600 mg q24h

5 to 10 days
10 days

Acute Maxillary Sinusitis


300 mg q12h
or
600 mg q24h

10 days
10 days

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis


300 mg q12h
or
600 mg q24h

5 to 10 days
10 days

Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections

300 mg q12h

10 days

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 (CL cr ) in adult patients. For estimates to be valid, serum creatinine levels should reflect steady-state levels of renal function.

Males:              CL cr = (weight) (140 – age)
(72) (serum creatinine)

Females:           CL cr = 0.85 x 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:

CL cr =      K  x body length or height
serum creatinine

where K=0.55 for pediatric patients older than 1 year 2 and 0.45 for infants (up to 1 year) 3 .

In the above equation, creatinine clearance is in mL/min/1.73 m 2 , 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 m 2 , 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.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Cefdinir capsules are contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.

Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE EVENTS

Clinical Trials - Cefdinir Capsules (Adult and Adolescent Patients)

In clinical trials, 5093 adult and adolescent patients (3841 U.S. and 1252 non-U.S.) were treated with the recommended dose of cefdinir capsules (600 mg/day). Most adverse events were mild and self-limiting. No deaths or permanent disabilities were attributed to cefdinir. One hundred forty-seven of 5093 (3%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse events thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or definitely associated with cefdinir therapy. The discontinuations were primarily for gastrointestinal disturbances, usually diarrhea or nausea. Nineteen of 5093 (0.4%) 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 capsules in multiple-dose clinical trials (N = 3841 cefdinir-treated patients):

ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CEFDINIR CAPSULES U.S. TRIALS IN ADULT AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS (N = 3841) a

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea

15%

Vaginal moniliasis

4% of women

Nausea

3%

Headache

2%

Abdominal pain

1%

Vaginitis

1% of women

Incidence <1% but >0.1%

Rash

0.9%

Dyspepsia

0.7%

Flatulence

0.7%

Vomiting

0.7%

Abnormal stools

0.3%

Anorexia

0.3%

Constipation

0.3%

Dizziness

0.3%

Dry mouth

0.3%

Asthenia

0.2%

Insomnia

0.2%

Leukorrhea

0.2% of women

Moniliasis

0.2%

Pruritus

0.2%

Somnolence

0.2%

a 1733 males, 2108 females

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.:

LABORATORY VALUE CHANGES OBSERVED WITH CEFDINIR CAPSULES U.S. TRIALS IN ADULT AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS (N = 3841)

Incidence ≥1%

↑Urine leukocytes

2%

↑Urine protein

2%

↑Gamma-glutamyltransferase a

1%

↓Lymphocytes, ↑Lymphocytes

1%, 0.2%

↑Microhematuria

1%

Incidence <1% but >0.1%

↑Glucose a

0.9%

↑Urine glucose

0.9%

↑White blood cells, ↓White blood cells

0.9%, 0.7%

↑Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

0.7%

↑Eosinophils

0.7%

↑Urine specific gravity, ↓Urine specific gravity a

0.6%, 0.2%

↓Bicarbonate a

0.6%

↑Phosphorus, ↓Phosphorus a

0.6%, 0.3%

↑Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

0.4%

↑Alkaline phosphatase

0.3%

↑Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

0.3%

↓Hemoglobin

0.3%

↑Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs),  ↓PMNs

0.3%, 0.2%

↑Bilirubin

0.2%

↑Lactate dehydrogenase a

0.2%

↑Platelets

0.2%

↑Potassium a

0.2%

↑Urine pH a

0.2%

a N <3841 for these parameters

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):

a 977 males, 806 females
b Laboratory changes were occasionally reported as adverse events.

ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CEFDINIR SUSPENSION U.S. TRIALS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (N = 1783) a

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea

8%

Rash

3%

Vomiting

1%

Incidence <1% but >0.1%

Cutaneous moniliasis

0.9%

Abdominal pain

0.8%

Leukopenia b

0.3%

Vaginal moniliasis

0.3% of girls

Vaginitis

0.3% of girls

Abnormal stools

0.2%

Dyspepsia

0.2%

Hyperkinesia

0.2%

Increased AST b

0.2%

Maculopapular rash

0.2%

Nausea

0.2%

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.:

a N = 1387 for these parameters

LABORATORY VALUE CHANGES OF POSSIBLE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OBSERVED WITH CEFDINIR SUSPENSION U.S. TRIALS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (N = 1783)

Incidence ≥1%

↑Lymphocytes, ↓Lymphocytes

2%, 0.8%

↑Alkaline phosphatase

1%

↓Bicarbonate a

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%

↓Calcium a

0.5%

↓Hemoglobin

0.5%

↑Urine leukocytes

0.5%

↑Monocytes

0.4%

↑AST

0.3%

↑Potassium a

0.3%

↑Urine specific gravity, ↓Urine specific gravity

0.3%, 0.1%

↓Hematocrit a

0.2%

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.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

Antacids (aluminum- or magnesium-containing)

Concomitant administration of 300 mg cefdinir capsules with 30 mL Maalox ® TC suspension reduces the rate (C max ) and extent (AUC) of absorption by approximately 40%. Time to reach C max 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 therapy, cefdinir 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 t ½ .

Iron Supplements and Foods Fortified With Iron

Concomitant administration of cefdinir with a therapeutic iron supplement containing 60 mg of elemental iron (as FeSO 4 ) 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 therapy, cefdinir 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.

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.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cefdinir capsules, USP contain the active ingredient cefdinir, an extended-spectrum, semisynthetic cephalosporin, for oral administration. Chemically, cefdinir is [6R-[6α, 7β (Z)]]-7-[[(2-amino-4-thiazolyl)(hydroxyimino)acetyl]amino]-3-ethenyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid. Cefdinir USP is a white to slightly brownish-yellow solid. It is slightly soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid and sparingly soluble in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer. The molecular formula is C 14 H 13 N 5 O 5 S 2 and the molecular weight is 395.42. Cefdinir has the structural formula shown below:

Referenced Image

Cefdinir capsules, USP contain 300 mg cefdinir USP and the following inactive ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose calcium, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. The empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain FD&C Blue #1, D&C Red #28, titanium dioxide, gelatin and sodium lauryl sulphate. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing black iron oxide and shellac.

Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism

Absorption

Oral Bioavailability

Maximal plasma cefdinir concentrations occur 2 to 4 hours postdose following capsule or suspension administration. Plasma cefdinir concentrations increase with dose, but the increases are less than dose-proportional from 300 mg (7 mg/kg) to 600 mg (14 mg/kg). Following administration of suspension to healthy adults, cefdinir bioavailability is 120% relative to capsules. Estimated bioavailability of cefdinir capsules is 21% following administration of a 300 mg capsule dose, and 16% following administration of a 600 mg capsule dose. Estimated absolute bioavailability of cefdinir suspension is 25%. Cefdinir oral suspension of 250 mg/5 mL strength was shown to be bioequivalent to the 125 mg/5 mL strength in healthy adults under fasting conditions.

Effect of Food

The C max and AUC of cefdinir from the capsules are reduced by 16% and 10%, respectively, when given with a high-fat meal. In adults given the 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension with a high-fat meal, the C max and AUC of cefdinir are reduced by 44% and 33%, respectively. The magnitude of these reductions is not likely to be clinically significant because the safety and efficacy studies of oral suspension in pediatric patients were conducted without regard to food intake. Therefore, cefdinir may be taken without regard to food.

Cefdinir Capsules

Cefdinir plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter values following administration of single 300 and 600 mg oral doses of cefdinir to adult subjects are presented in the following table:

Mean (±SD) Plasma Cefdinir Pharmacokinetic Parameter Values Following Administration of Capsules to Adult Subjects
Dose C max
(mcg/mL)
t max
(hr)
AUC
(mcg•hr/mL)

300 mg

1.6
(0.55)

2.9
(0.89)

7.05
(2.17)

600 mg

2.87
(1.01)

3
(0.66)

11.1
(3.87)

Cefdinir Suspension

Cefdinir plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter values following administration of single 7 and 14 mg/kg oral doses of cefdinir to pediatric subjects (age 6 months to 12 years) are presented in the following table:

Mean (±SD) Plasma Cefdinir Pharmacokinetic Parameter Values Following Administration of Suspension to Pediatric Subjects
Dose C max
(mcg/mL)
t max
(hr)
AUC
(mcg•hr/mL)

7 mg/kg

2.3
(0.65)

2.2
(0.6)

8.31
(2.5)

14 mg/kg

3.86
(0.62)

1.8
(0.4)

13.4
(2.64)

Multiple Dosing

Cefdinir does not accumulate in plasma following once- or twice-daily administration to subjects with normal renal function.

Distribution

The mean volume of distribution (Vd area ) of cefdinir in adult subjects is 0.35 L/kg (±0.29); in pediatric subjects (age 6 months to 12 years), cefdinir Vd area is 0.67 L/kg (±0.38). Cefdinir is 60% to 70% bound to plasma proteins in both adult and pediatric subjects; binding is independent of concentration.

Skin Blister

In adult subjects, median (range) maximal blister fluid cefdinir concentrations of 0.65 (0.33 to 1.1) and 1.1 (0.49 to 1.9) mcg/mL were observed 4 to 5 hours following administration of 300 and 600 mg doses, respectively. Mean (±SD) blister C max and AUC (0-∞) values were 48% (±13) and 91% (±18) of corresponding plasma values.

Tonsil Tissue

In adult patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy, respective median tonsil tissue cefdinir concentrations 4 hours after administration of single 300 and 600 mg doses were 0.25 (0.22 to 0.46) and 0.36 (0.22 to 0.8) mcg/g. Mean tonsil tissue concentrations were 24% (±8) of corresponding plasma concentrations.

Sinus Tissue

In adult patients undergoing elective maxillary and ethmoid sinus surgery, respective median sinus tissue cefdinir concentrations 4 hours after administration of single 300 and 600 mg doses were <0.12 (<0.12 to 0.46) and 0.21 (<0.12 to 2) mcg/g. Mean sinus tissue concentrations were 16% (±20) of corresponding plasma concentrations.

Lung Tissue

In adult patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy, respective median bronchial mucosa cefdinir concentrations 4 hours after administration of single 300 and 600 mg doses were 0.78 (<0.06 to 1.33) and 1.14 (<0.06 to 1.92) mcg/mL, and were 31% (±18) of corresponding plasma concentrations. Respective median epithelial lining fluid concentrations were 0.29 (<0.3 to 4.73) and 0.49 (<0.3 to 0.59) mcg/mL, and were 35% (±83) of corresponding plasma concentrations.

Middle Ear Fluid

In 14 pediatric patients with acute bacterial otitis media, respective median middle ear fluid cefdinir concentrations 3 hours after administration of single 7 and 14 mg/kg doses were 0.21 (<0.09 to 0.94) and 0.72 (0.14 to 1.42) mcg/mL. Mean middle ear fluid concentrations were 15% (±15) of corresponding plasma concentrations.

CSF

Data on cefdinir penetration into human cerebrospinal fluid are not available.

Metabolism and Excretion

Cefdinir is not appreciably metabolized. Activity is primarily due to parent drug. Cefdinir is eliminated principally via renal excretion with a mean plasma elimination half-life (t ½ ) of 1.7 (±0.6) hours. In healthy subjects with normal renal function, renal clearance is 2 (±1) mL/min/kg, and apparent oral clearance is 11.6 (±6) and 15.5 (±5.4) mL/min/kg following doses of 300 and 600 mg, respectively. Mean percent of dose recovered unchanged in the urine following 300 and 600 mg doses is 18.4% (±6.4) and 11.6% (±4.6), respectively. Cefdinir clearance is reduced in patients with renal dysfunction (see Special Populations : Patients with Renal Insufficiency ).

Because renal excretion is the predominant pathway of elimination, dosage should be adjusted in patients with markedly compromised renal function or who are undergoing hemodialysis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Special Populations

Patients with Renal Insufficiency

Cefdinir pharmacokinetics were investigated in 21 adult subjects with varying degrees of renal function. Decreases in cefdinir elimination rate, apparent oral clearance (CL/F), and renal clearance were approximately proportional to the reduction in creatinine clearance (CL cr ). As a result, plasma cefdinir concentrations were higher and persisted longer in subjects with renal impairment than in those without renal impairment. In subjects with CL cr between 30 and 60 mL/min, C max and t ½ increased by approximately 2-fold and AUC by approximately 3-fold. In subjects with CL cr <30 mL/min, C max increased by approximately 2-fold, t ½ by approximately 5-fold, and AUC by approximately 6-fold. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with markedly compromised renal function (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min; see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Hemodialysis

Cefdinir pharmacokinetics were studied in 8 adult subjects undergoing hemodialysis. Dialysis (4 hours duration) removed 63% of cefdinir from the body and reduced apparent elimination t ½ from 16 (±3.5) to 3.2 (±1.2) hours. Dosage adjustment is recommended in this patient population (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Hepatic Disease

Because cefdinir is predominantly renally eliminated and not appreciably metabolized, studies in patients with hepatic impairment were not conducted. It is not expected that dosage adjustment will be required in this population.

Geriatric Patients

The effect of age on cefdinir pharmacokinetics after a single 300 mg dose was evaluated in 32 subjects 19 to 91 years of age. Systemic exposure to cefdinir was substantially increased in older subjects (N=16), C max by 44% and AUC by 86%. This increase was due to a reduction in cefdinir clearance. The apparent volume of distribution was also reduced, thus no appreciable alterations in apparent elimination t ½ were observed (elderly: 2.2 ± 0.6 hours vs young: 1.8 ± 0.4 hours). Since cefdinir clearance has been shown to be primarily related to changes in renal function rather than age, elderly patients do not require dosage adjustment unless they have markedly compromised renal function (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, see Patients with Renal Insufficiency , above).

Gender and Race

The results of a meta-analysis of clinical pharmacokinetics (N=217) indicated no significant impact of either gender or race on cefdinir pharmacokinetics.

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

As with other cephalosporins, bactericidal activity of cefdinir results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefdinir is stable in the presence of some, but not all, β-lactamase enzymes. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalosporins are susceptible to cefdinir.

Mechanism of Resistance

Resistance to cefdinir is primarily through hydrolysis by some β-lactamases, alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and decreased permeability. Cefdinir is inactive against most strains of Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp., penicillin-resistant streptococci, and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. β-lactamase negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) H. influenzae strains are typically non-susceptible to cefdinir.

Antimicrobial Activity

Cefdinir has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE .

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only)
Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown.

Cefdinir exhibits in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1 mcg/mL or less against (≥90%) strains of the following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of cefdinir in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
Streptococcus agalactiae
Viridans group streptococci

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Citrobacter koseri
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Proteus mirabilis

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC .

Clinical Studies

CLINICAL STUDIES

Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

In a controlled, double-blind study in adults and adolescents conducted in the U.S., cefdinir BID was compared with cefaclor 500 mg TID. Using strict evaluability and microbiologic/clinical response criteria 6 to 14 days posttherapy, the following clinical cure rates, presumptive microbiologic eradication rates, and statistical outcomes were obtained:

U.S. Community-Acquired Pneumonia Study Cefdinir vs Cefaclor

Cefdinir BID

Cefaclor TID

Outcome

Clinical Cure Rates

150/187 (80%)

147/186 (79%)

Cefdinir equivalent to control

Eradication Rates

Overall

177/195 (91%)

184/200 (92%)

Cefdinir equivalent to control

S. pneumoniae

31/31 (100%)

35/35 (100%)

H. influenzae

55/65 (85%)

60/72 (83%)

M. catarrhalis

10/10 (100%)

11/11 (100%)

H. parainfluenzae

81/89 (91%)

78/82 (95%)

In a second controlled, investigator-blind study in adults and adolescents conducted primarily in Europe, cefdinir BID was compared with amoxicillin/clavulanate 500/125 mg TID. Using strict evaluability and clinical response criteria 6 to 14 days posttherapy, the following clinical cure rates, presumptive microbiologic eradication rates, and statistical outcomes were obtained:

European Community-Acquired Pneumonia Study Cefdinir vs Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

Cefdinir BID

Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate TID

Outcome

Clinical Cure Rates

83/104 (80%)

86/97(89%)

Cefdinir not equivalent to control

Eradication Rates
Overall


85/96 (89%)


84/90 (93%)


Cefdinir equivalent to control

S. pneumoniae

42/44 (95%)

43/44 (98%)

H. influenzae

26/35 (74%)

21/26 (81%)

M. catarrhalis

6/6 (100%)

8/8 (100%)

H. parainfluenzae

11/11 (100%)

12/12 (100%)

Streptococcal Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis

In four controlled studies conducted in the United States, cefdinir was compared with 10 days of penicillin in adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients. Two studies (one in adults and adolescents, the other in pediatric patients) compared 10 days of cefdinir QD or BID to penicillin 250 mg or 10 mg/kg QID. Using strict evaluability and microbiologic/clinical response criteria 5 to 10 days posttherapy, the following clinical cure rates, microbiologic eradication rates, and statistical outcomes were obtained:

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Studies Cefdinir (10 days) vs Penicillin (10 days)

Study

Efficacy Parameter

Cefdinir QD

Cefdinir BID

Penicillin QID

Outcome

Adults/ Adolescents

Eradication of S. pyogenes

192/210 (91%)

199/217 (92%)

181/217 (83%)

Cefdinir superior to control

Clinical Cure Rates

199/210 (95%)

209/217 (96%)

193/217 (89%)

Cefdinir superior to control

Pediatric Patients

Eradication of S. pyogenes

215/228 (94%)

214/227 (94%)

159/227 (70%)

Cefdinir superior to control

Clinical Cure Rates

222/228 (97%)

218/227 (96%)

196/227 (86%)

Cefdinir superior to control

Two studies (one in adults and adolescents, the other in pediatric patients) compared 5 days of cefdinir BID to 10 days of penicillin 250 mg or 10 mg/kg QID. Using strict evaluability and microbiologic/clinical response criteria 4 to 10 days posttherapy, the following clinical cure rates, microbiologic eradication rates, and statistical outcomes were obtained:

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Studies Cefdinir (5 days) vs Penicillin (10 days)

Study

Efficacy Parameter

Cefdinir BID

Penicillin QID

Outcome

Adults/ Adolescents

Eradication of S. pyogenes

193/218 (89%)

176/214 (82%)

Cefdinir equivalent to control

Clinical Cure Rates

194/218 (89%)

181/214 (85%)

Cefdinir equivalent to control

Pediatric Patients

Eradication of S. pyogenes

176/196 (90%)

135/193 (70%)

Cefdinir superior to control

Clinical Cure Rates

179/196 (91%)

173/193 (90%)

Cefdinir equivalent to control

How Supplied/Storage & Handling

HOW SUPPLIED

Cefdinir Capsules USP, 300 mg are lavender opaque/turquoise opaque size ‘0’ hard gelatin capsule filled with off-white to yellow powder and imprinted with ‘E99’ on turquoise opaque body with black ink.


Bottles of 60                 NDC 68001-362-06


Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].Preserve in tight, light-resistant containers.

Data SourceWe receive information directly from the FDA and PrescriberPoint is updated as frequently as changes are made available
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