From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Cefdinir is typically prescribed for 10 days for the treatment of Staphylococcal pneumonia, with a standard adult dosage of 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2. The treatment duration may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment. For children, the dosage is 7 mg/kg twice daily or 14 mg/kg once daily, not exceeding the adult dose. However, it's essential to note that cefdinir is not usually the first-line treatment for Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia, especially if methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) is suspected. For confirmed methicillin-sensitive Staph aureus, cefazolin or oxacillin are preferred, while vancomycin or linezolid would be used for MRSA, as indicated by studies such as 3. Cefdinir should be taken with food to enhance absorption, and patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve before completion. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, as reported in studies such as 4 and 2. Patients with penicillin allergy should inform their healthcare provider as cross-reactivity may occur. The effectiveness of cefdinir against Staph aureus varies based on local resistance patterns, so treatment should be guided by culture results and clinical response, as suggested by studies such as 5.
Some key points to consider when treating Staphylococcal pneumonia with cefdinir include:
- The importance of completing the full treatment course to ensure optimal outcomes
- The need to monitor for potential side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea
- The importance of guiding treatment based on culture results and clinical response
- The consideration of alternative treatments, such as cefazolin or oxacillin, for confirmed methicillin-sensitive Staph aureus, and vancomycin or linezolid for MRSA.
It's also important to note that cefdinir has been shown to be effective against a range of bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, as demonstrated in studies such as 1 and 2. However, the effectiveness of cefdinir against Staph aureus can vary depending on the specific strain and local resistance patterns, highlighting the importance of guiding treatment based on culture results and clinical response.