Spectrum of antimicrobial activity and clinical efficacy of ceftibuten in children

Geftibuten is a so-called 'third generation', orally administered cephalosporin that possesses excellent activity against the respiratory tract pathogens Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and many of the Enterobacteriaceae. It has more modest activity against Gram-positive pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is resistant to hydrolysis by many β-lactamase enzymes; however, β-lactam resistance due to altered penicillin binding proteins can result in higher MICs for ceftibuten. Since its introduction, ceftibuten has been utilized in paediatric patients primarily for therapy of infections of the upper respiratory tract and the urinary tract. Its palatability, convenient once daily dosage, good oral bioavailability, and/or low incidence of significant toxicity facilitate use in this age group. Animal and clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety for therapy of complicated urinary tract infection, Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis, and for acute otitis media with effusion due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or many penicillin susceptible streptococci.