What are the differences between cefdinir dispersible tablets and cefixime?

Cefdinir dispersible tablets and cefixime are both third-generation oral cephalosporins. The main differences between them lie in their antimicrobial spectrum emphasis, indications, dosing frequency, formulation characteristics, and adverse reaction profiles. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Antimicrobial Spectrum: Cefdinir dispersible tablets exhibit stronger antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly showing prominent inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, while also remaining effective against certain Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, cefixime primarily targets Gram-negative bacteria and has weaker activity against Gram-positive organisms compared to cefdinir.

2. Indications: Cefdinir dispersible tablets are commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and oral infections. Cefixime is more suitable for treating urinary and biliary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria, with relatively limited efficacy in respiratory tract infections.

3. Dosing Frequency: Cefdinir has a shorter half-life and typically requires administration three times daily to maintain effective plasma concentrations. Cefixime has a longer half-life and sustained pharmacological effect, generally allowing once-daily dosing to meet therapeutic requirements.

4. Formulation Characteristics: Cefdinir dispersible tablets offer the advantage of a dispersible formulation—they can be taken directly with water or dissolved in water before administration, making them especially suitable for children or elderly patients with swallowing difficulties. Common formulations of cefixime include tablets, capsules, and granules. These have more fixed administration methods—tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole, while granules usually need to be reconstituted.

5. Adverse Reactions: Both drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects. Cefdinir dispersible tablets are more likely to cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, with occasional rash occurrences. Besides gastrointestinal discomfort, cefixime may lead to mild elevations in transaminase levels, has a slightly lower incidence of rash compared to cefdinir, and may cause dizziness in some patients.

Drug selection should be based on the type of infection, pathogen species, and individual patient factors, with treatment regimens determined by healthcare professionals. During treatment, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing products.