Via practica 1/2011

Ceftibuten in clinic praxis

Ceftibuten is an oral cephalosporin of the third generation with high stability against beta-lactamases, especially those of gram-negative bacteria. Ceftibuten is exceptionally effective against strains of gram-negative microorganisms that cause most respiratory infections acquired in the community as well as against gram-negative enterobacteria that cause urinary tract infections and are often the pathogens of nosocomial infections. Regarding the group of gram-positive microorganisms, ceftibuten is effective against streptococci. It is highly stable against penicillinase and cephalosporinases mediated by plasmids. Ceftibuten has excellent bioavailability, area curve, which reaches over MIC (area under curve – AUC) is about 64 mg.h / l, which predicts its clinical efficacy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract and urinary tract infections. The article presents data on very good clinical efficacy of ceftibuten in the treatment of acute tonsillitis, otitis media in children, sinusitis in adults, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and bronchopenumonia acquired in community, where it can be used also as part of combination therapy in patients belonging to the risk groups. It is also indicated for the treatment of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Particularly advantageous is its use in cases where could not be indicated fluorinated quinolones, especially in children under 15 years and women in whom pregnancy can not be excluded. Ceftibuten can be successfully used also in a sequential treatment of respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. Therapy with ceftibuten is associated with low frequency of side events – the most common side effects are diarrhea and nausea.

Keywords: ceftibutén, beta-lactamases, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, safety