What is the recommended dosing of cefdinir for adult sinus infections?

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Last updated: June 27, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

For adult sinus infections, the recommended dosage of cefdinir is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, however, based on general medical knowledge and the fact that cefdinir is suitable for acute bacterial sinusitis 1, a common dosing regimen is 300 mg taken orally twice daily or 600 mg once daily. The medication should be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. If you have kidney problems, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription. Cefdinir is effective against many bacteria that cause sinusitis because it's a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. If you develop severe diarrhea, rash, or signs of an allergic reaction, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Staying hydrated while taking cefdinir is also recommended. Some key points to consider when treating sinusitis include:

  • The possibility of anaerobic pathogens in protracted or severe cases, which may require alternative antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin, or metronidazole 1.
  • The appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy, which is typically 10-14 days, but may vary depending on the individual case 1.

From the Research

Adult Sinus Infection Cefdinir Dosing

  • The recommended dosing of cefdinir for adult sinus infections is 600 mg once daily or 300 mg twice daily for 10 days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Cefdinir has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, with clinical cure rates ranging from 83% to 90% 2, 5, 6.
  • The drug is well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being mild diarrhea, occurring in approximately 20% of patients 2, and vaginal moniliasis in women, occurring in 11% of patients 5.
  • Cefdinir has been compared to other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate and levofloxacin, and has been shown to be as effective in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis 2, 5, 6.

Dosage Regimens

  • 600 mg once daily for 10 days 2, 3, 5, 6
  • 300 mg twice daily for 10 days 2, 3, 4

Efficacy and Safety

  • Cefdinir has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, with clinical cure rates ranging from 83% to 90% 2, 5, 6.
  • The drug is well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being mild diarrhea and vaginal moniliasis in women 2, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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