Cefdinir (Abbott’s Omnicef, Fujisawa’s Cefzon) is a third-generation, oral cephalosporin available in capsule and oral suspension forms. Cefdinir was developed and launched by Fujisawa in Japan in 1991 as Cefzon. Warner-Lambert’ s Parke-Davis (now Pfizer) was the first to license cefdinir for the United States and Western Europe, and began marketing the product in the United States in 1998. Abbott obtained the exclusive marketing rights from Fujisawa and began marketing the drug as Omnicef in 2000. The agent is expected to retain patent protection through 2007 in the United States. Cefdinir is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in adults and adolescents caused by penicillinase-susceptible S. pneumoniae and all strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
While this medicine is widely prescribed in some countries, its availability in the UK is limited, and it is not marketed under any specific brand name within the country. You can order this drug online and have it delivered by one of the most popular delivery companies in the UK: Royal Mail, DPD UK, Hermes (now Evri), Yodel, Parcelforce Worldwide, UPS UK, DHL Express UK, or FedEx UK.
Cefdinir is stable in the presence of many β-lactamase enzymes, which effectively extends its spectrum of activity against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria resistant to penicillins and other cephalosporins. Cefdinir has demonstrated activity against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, and others.
In a randomized, dose-comparative Phase III study enrolling 466 subjects with acute bronchitis, treatment with 600 mg of cefdinir once daily was compared with 300 mg of cefdinir twice daily for ten days. Clinical success in assessable patients receiving once-daily doses was 91%, and the bacteriologic eradication rate was 92%. In assessable patients receiving twice-daily doses, clinical success was 93%, and the bacteriologic eradication rate was 93%.
Another trial compared the two cefdinir dosing regimens with cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. This double-blind, randomized, multicenter Phase III study enrolled 1,045 subjects and evaluated 589 patient outcomes for efficacy after ten days of therapy. Patients who received 600 mg once daily of cefdinir were clinically cured in 81% of cases; those who received cefdinir in 300 mg doses twice daily were cured in 74% of cases; and those who received 250 mg of cefuroxime axetil twice daily were cured in 80% of cases.
The Phase III comparative clinical trial showed that cefdinir had a statistically significant higher rate of adverse reactions (25.9% of 474 patients) than did cephalexin (Lilly’s Keflex, generics), a first-generation cephalosporin (16.1% of 478 patients). In particular, cefdinir causes more GI discomfort (such as diarrhea) than do other cephalosporins. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in U.S. clinical trials with a total of 3,841 adult cefdinir-treated patients were diarrhea (15%), vaginal moniliasis (4% of women), nausea (3%), and headache (2%). Most adverse events were mild and self-limiting in nature with a low (3%) discontinuation rate due to associated adverse events. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in U.S. clinical trials with a total of 1,783 pediatric cefdinir-treated patients were diarrhea (8%), rash (3%), and vomiting (1%).
Research and Clinical Trials in the UK
One clinical study conducted in the UK aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cefdinir in treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults. The trial compared Cefdinir with another commonly prescribed cephalosporin, assessing factors such as symptom resolution, bacterial eradication, and patient tolerance. Results showed that while Cefdinir was effective in resolving infections, its efficacy was comparable to other cephalosporins already available in the UK.
Forms and Dosages Available in the UK
As Cefdinir is not commonly available in standard pharmacy stock in the UK, it can be ordered online. It is typically provided in capsule form (300 mg) or as a suspension (125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL). The dosage regimen depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s medical condition. It is usually taken once or twice daily.
Common Side Effects Reported in the UK
Patients who have received Cefdinir through special imports have reported mild to moderate side effects. The most frequent complaints include diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain, which are typical of many antibiotics. Some individuals have experienced skin rashes or itching, likely due to mild allergic reactions. In rare cases, prolonged use has led to changes in bowel habits, including the development of antibiotic-associated colitis.
Therapeutic classes of Cefdinir:
Anti-Bacterial Agents, Anti-Infectives, Cephalosporins
| Dosage forms of Cefdinir: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cefdinir 300 mg capsule | Omnicef 300 mg omni-pac capsule | Omnicef 300 mg capsule | Cefdinir 125 mg/5ml Suspension 60ml Bottle |
| Omnicef 125 mg/5ml Suspension 100ml Bottle | |||
As it is a cephalosporin antibiotic, Cefdinir is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
Similar Drugs Available in the UK
In the UK, healthcare professionals prescribe cephalosporin antibiotics that have similar antibacterial activity to Cefdinir. These include:
- Cefalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin effective against a range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
- Cefuroxime, a second-generation cephalosporin used to treat conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and Lyme disease.
- Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin indicated for infections like gonorrhoea and certain types of bronchitis.
| Other names for this medication |
|---|
| Cednir |
| Adinir |
| Cefdir |
| Ceflosil |
| Cefzone |
| Aldinir |
| Palcef |
| Cefida |
| Cefdinirum |
| Kefnir |
| Cefdinirum |
| Ceftinex |
| Cefzon |
| Ceftanir |
| Cefnil |
| Sefdin |
| Addcef |
| Samnir |