Cefdinir: A potent antibiotics for bacterial infections.

  

 Cefdinir

Cefdinir is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is used in the treatment of pneumonia, strep throat, and cellulitis. It is the third-generation cephalosporin drug. It was approved by the FDA in 1997. Cefdinir is also known as, Omnicef. Cefdinir is a white, crystalline powder, which is soluble in dimethylformamide and insoluble in water. It combats both gram-positive and negative bacteria. The molecular weight of cefdinir is 395.4 gm/mol. 

Structure:

The molecular formula of cefdinir is,[C­­­­­14H13N5O5S2].

Cefdinir Structure

The IUPAC name of cefdinir is 8-[2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-1-hydroxy-2-nitrosoethenyl]amino-4-ethoxyl-7-oxo-2-thia-6-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-ene-5-carboxylic acid.

Mechanism of action:

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin. Like other cephalosporin, it inhibits the bacterial cell wall protein synthesis. It binds to PBPs (Penicillin-Binding Proteins). It blocks the beta-lactamase enzyme. Due to this PBPs (Penicillin-Binding Proteins) are deactivated. Due to the deactivation of PBPs (Penicillin-Binding Proteins), the final step of transpeptidation in the cell wall is blocked. This leads to the death of bacteria.

Uses:

1. It is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, caused by bacteria like streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza.
2. It can be used to treat skin and soft tissue infections including, cellulitis, impetigo, and folliculitis, often caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus species.
3. Otitis media, a common ear infection in children, can also be treated with cefdinir.
4. In some cases, it is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Side-effects:

While Cefdinir is generally well-tolerated, like all antibiotics, it can cause side effects. Some common side effects may include:

1. Mild stomach discomfort.
2. Rash.
3. Itching.
4. Difficulty in breathing.
5. Headaches.
6. Dizziness.