What is Cefditoren pivoxil?
Cefditoren pivoxil, also known as Spectracef, is an oral third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. The medication is typically effective against gram-negative bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, but may also have activity against certain gram-positive bacteria.
What is Cefditoren pivoxil used for?
Cefditoren pivoxil, also known as Spectracef in the United States, is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. It was developed by Abbott Laboratories and introduced to the market in 2001 for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. This medication belongs to the second generation of oral cephalosporins.
Pharmacological Class and Mechanism
As an extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, cefditoren pivoxil inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins on the surface of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. This prevents the incorporation of new subunits into the cell wall, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death. Cefditoren pivoxil has a broad spectrum of activity against both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, making it effective in treating various bacterial infections.
Clinical Indications
Cefditoren pivoxil is primarily used for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections such as acute otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and mild to moderate pneumonia. Its effectiveness against both Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus) and Streptococcus pneumoniae makes it a suitable option for the treatment of pharyngitis and other infections caused by these pathogens.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage for cefditoren pivoxil is 400 mg orally, administered every 12 hours. This medication should be taken with food to improve absorption, and patients are generally advised not to take antacids within an hour of taking the drug, as this may interfere with its efficacy.
Cefditoren pivoxil side effects
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Erythema multiforme
- Increased liver enzymes
- Liver damage
Disclaimer
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