From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dosage and duration of treatment for infections in pediatric patients are described in the following chart; the total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. Pediatric Patients (Age 6 Months Through 12 Years) Type of Infection Dosage Duration Acute Bacterial Otitis Media 7 mg/kg q12hor 14 mg/kg q24h 5 to 10 days 10 days Acute Maxillary Sinusitis 7 mg/kg q12hor 14 mg/kg q24h 10 days 10 days Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis 7 mg/kg q12hor 14 mg/kg q24h 5 to 10 days 10 days Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 7 mg/kg q12h 10 days CEFDINIR FOR ORAL SUSPENSION PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHART aPediatric patients who weigh ≥ 43 kg should receive the maximum daily dose of 600 mg.
The recommended dosing for Omnicef (cefdinir) is as follows:
- Pediatric patients: 14 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
- Dosage frequency: Once daily or twice daily, depending on the type of infection.
- Specific dosages:
- Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h
- Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h
- Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: 7 mg/kg q12h
- Renal insufficiency: For patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, the dose should be 300 mg given once daily 1.
From the Research
Omnicef (cefdinir) is typically dosed at 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for adults for most common infections, with a treatment duration of 5-10 days depending on the infection type. For children, the recommended dose is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily, not exceeding the adult dose 2. Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment; those with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min should receive 300 mg once daily. Omnicef should be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may improve gastrointestinal tolerance. The medication works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many common respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections. Some key points to consider when prescribing Omnicef include:
- The drug's broad spectrum of activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 3
- Its stability to hydrolysis by common beta-lactamases, making it effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 2
- The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before completion, to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure complete eradication of the infection. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, and patients should be monitored for these adverse events 2, 3. Overall, Omnicef is a safe and effective treatment option for a range of infections, and its dosing regimen can be tailored to the individual patient's needs.