new antibiotic called Cedax (ceftibuten)

Schering is coming out with a new antibiotic called Cedax (ceftibuten)...for both children and adults.

It's an oral third-generation cephalosporin...similar to cefixime (Suprax). These two drugs have better Gram-negative coverage than earlier generations of cephalosporins...but they're less effective against Gram-positive organisms such as Strep.

Cedax is approved for treating bronchitis...ear infections...and strep throat. But it doesn't work any better than the other cephalosporins that are already on the market for these indications...and in some cases it may be LESS effective.