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. Weight 125 mg/5 mL 250 mg/5 mL 9 kg/20 lbs 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h Use 125 mg/5 mL product
For a 9-month-old child weighing 21 pounds, the dosage can be calculated as follows:
- The child's weight is close to 9 kg/20 lbs, so we can use this reference point.
- The recommended dose is 14 mg/kg per day, so for a 9.5 kg child (approximately 21 pounds), the dose would be approximately 133 mg per day (9.5 kg x 14 mg/kg).
- According to the dosage chart, for a child weighing around 9 kg/20 lbs, the recommended dose is 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product.
- Since 5 mL of the 125 mg/5 mL product contains 125 mg of cefdinir, the dose of 5 mL q24h is slightly higher than the calculated dose of 133 mg per day, but it is the closest available option.
- The recommended dosage for this child would be 5 mL q24h or 2.5 mL q12h using the 125 mg/5 mL product 1.
From the Research
For a 9-month-old weighing 21 pounds (approximately 9.5 kg), the recommended dosage of cefdinir is 14 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 2. This equals about 133 mg per day, or 67 mg twice daily. Cefdinir suspension typically comes in a concentration of 125 mg/5 mL, so this would be approximately 2.7 mL twice daily. The duration of treatment depends on the specific infection being treated, but typically ranges from 5 to 10 days, as indicated in studies such as 3 and 4. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing. Cefdinir should be given with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset, a recommendation consistent across various studies, including 5. Common side effects may include diarrhea, diaper rash, or changes in stool color, as noted in 3 and 4. If severe diarrhea develops, contact your healthcare provider as this could indicate a C. difficile infection. Always use the measuring device provided with the medication for accurate dosing. This dosage recommendation is based on the standard pediatric dosing for cefdinir, which is calculated based on the child's weight to ensure appropriate antibiotic levels while minimizing side effects, as discussed in 3, 2, and 5.
Some key points to consider:
- The dosage is based on the child's weight to ensure appropriate antibiotic levels.
- Cefdinir is effective against a broad range of pathogens, including those commonly causing respiratory and skin infections, as shown in 3 and 2.
- The medication is generally well-tolerated, with diarrhea being one of the most common side effects, as reported in 3 and 4.
- Patient adherence to the therapeutic regimen is crucial for successful treatment, and the palatability of cefdinir oral suspension is an advantage, as demonstrated in 6.