Cefditoren Pivoxil
Cefditoren Pivoxil is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic available as an oral prodrug. It is converted to its active form, cefditoren, after absorption and is used to treat various bacterial infections. This medication is particularly effective against respiratory tract infections and certain skin infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Oral third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for respiratory and skin bacterial infections.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 72611
- Generic
- Cefditoren Pivoxil
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- Spectracef
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus.
As a cephalosporin antibiotic, cefditoren inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to disruption of the bacterial cell wall and bacterial cell death. It is a prodrug that converts to active cefditoren after oral administration.
Should be taken with food to enhance absorption. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. The pivalate moiety may decrease carnitine levels with prolonged use. Contraindicated in patients with known cephalosporin allergy or carnitine deficiency. May interact with antacids and H2 blockers; take separately by at least 2 hours.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy