Cefdinir: FDA Approval of Generic Drug to Fight Ear Infections

Sold Under the Brand Name of Omnicef

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of adults and children suffering from antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. This has been especially true of individuals who suffer from ear, nose and throat complications. In an effort to improve and remedy these resistant infections, the FDA has approved the generic form of an antibiotic known as Cefdinir.

Cefdinir, the generic form of Omnicef, is manufactured and distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals. As a partially synthetic drug, Cefdinir lends its success to fighting bacterial infections through its ability to prevent bacteria from replicating and breaking down protective walls around the bacterial organisms. Belonging to the family of antibiotics known as cephalosporin, Cefdinir now provides adults and children with a cost effective way to fight antibiotic resistant infections.

Dosing of Cefdinir also adds to the advantage of this FDA approved drug. With dosing provided orally, in capsule or suspension formula, adults and children can treat their bacterial infections of the ears, nose and throat in one or two doses daily. In most cases, adults are prescribed doses of 300 to 600 milligrams while children seem to benefit best from doses between 125 and 250 milligrams.

As with most FDA approved prescription medications, Cefdinir does not come without side effects. However, most side effects are mild and may include a slight change in bowel, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and headache. Because Cefdinir may cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels, diabetics should be certain to monitor sugar intake when using Cefdinir to fight a bacterial infection.

While Cefdinir has not been shown to cause complications in pregnancy, caution should be used when prescribing as risks to a fetus are unknown. Additionally, because Cefdinir is excreted through the kidneys, individuals in renal failure are cautioned to not use Cefdinir to fight ear, nose and throat bacterial infections.