Ceftibuten: an overview

Ceftibuten is an orally active third-generation cephalosporin that exhibits good microbiologic activity against many gram-negative and select gram-positive organisms. It is stable against plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Ceftibuten has been shown to be effective in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections and, although not approved indications, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in both adults and children. It is readily absorbed (75-90%) after oral administration, with peak serum levels of 17 microg/ml in healthy volunteers. Its half-life is 2.5 hours in healthy volunteers and is increased in elderly patients to approximately 3.2 hours. Elimination occurs primarily through the kidneys, requiring dosage adjustments to be made when creatinine clearance falls below 50 ml/minute. The drug's safety profile is favorable and similar to that of most other cephalosporins. Based on pharmacokinetic information and clinical trial data, ceftibuten can be dosed once/day for most infections. It is an alternative to other currently available antimicrobial agents in the treatment of indicated upper and lower respiratory tract infections.