Efficacy and Safety of Cefdinir in the Treatment for Respiratory Infection in Children

Hwang, Tai Ju; Yoon, Won Sang; Choi, Yung Yoon; Min, Yong Il; Jung, Shin

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cefdinir, a new cephem, is a semi-synthetic, extended spectrum antibiotic for oral administration intended for use in the treatment of moderate bacterial infections. This compound offers enhanced activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococus epidermidis as well as effective antimicrobial activity against strains of Streptococcus and Neisseria spp. and beta- lactamase producing strains of Hemophilus.
METHODS
For evaluation of efficacy and safety of cefdinir in the treatment of respiratory infection in children, we conducted clinical study of cefdinir in the patients with respiratory infection during 3 months from May 1st to July 31st, 2000 at Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hospital. We administered the cefdinir orally (10mg/Kg body weight, 3 dose/day) for 7 to 10 days to the patients of acute pharyngotonsillitis (9 cases), acute bronchitis (7 cases), acute pneumonitis (6 cases) and acute otitis media (3 cases).
RESULTS
The clinical efficacy was 100% in acute pharyngotonsillitis (excellent 77.7%, good 33.3%), 71% in acute bronchitis (excellent 57%), 100% in acute pneumonitis (excellent 83.3%) and 100% in acute otitis media (excellent 100%). The overall efficacy rate was 92% (excellent 76%, good 16%). As for adverse reactions, diarrhea were noted in 7 patients (28%) with recovered spontaneously by stopping drug administration. In laboratory test, there were no abnormalities.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested that cefdinir was effective therapeutic antibiotics in the treatment of acute respiratory infection in children.