FOCUS ON CEFTIBUTEN - A 3RD-GENERATION ORAL CEPHALOSPORIN ANTIBIOTIC

Ceftibuten is a new, third-generation oral cephalosporin currently bei ng reviewed for approval by the FDA. The drug, which will likely be av ailable in both suspension and tablet formulations, has proven clinica l efficacy in treating adults and children with respiratory or urogeni tal infections. Ceftibuten has increased stability to beta lactamase h ydrolysis, which enhances its antimicrobial activity to gram-negative community-acquired pathogens. Its oral bioavailability is superior to other currently available expanded-spectrum oral cephalosporins. Cefti buten's absorption characteristics and relatively low incidence of adv erse effects in clinical trials make it a useful alternative to other drugs used to treat a variety of community-acquired infections.