What is the standard dosage of Cefdinir for treating bacterial infections?

Standard Dosage of Cefdinir for Bacterial Infections

The standard dosage of cefdinir for treating bacterial infections in adults is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days, depending on the infection type. 1

Adult Dosing

Cefdinir dosing for adults varies by infection type:

• Respiratory Tract Infections:

  • Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days 2, 1
  • Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 300 mg twice daily for 5-10 days or 600 mg once daily for 10 days 1, 3
  • Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 300 mg twice daily for 10 days 1, 4
  • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 300 mg twice daily for 5-10 days or 600 mg once daily for 10 days 5, 1

• Skin and Skin Structure Infections:

  • Uncomplicated infections: 300 mg twice daily for 10 days 1, 6
  • Note: Once-daily dosing has not been studied for skin infections 1

Pediatric Dosing

For pediatric patients (6 months through 12 years):

• Total daily dose: 14 mg/kg/day, up to maximum 600 mg per day 1
• Can be administered as:
  • 7 mg/kg twice daily, or
  • 14 mg/kg once daily (for most infections except skin infections) 1

Specific pediatric indications:

• Acute Otitis Media: 14 mg/kg/day for 5-10 days
• Acute Sinusitis: 14 mg/kg/day for 10 days
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 14 mg/kg/day for 5-10 days
• Skin Infections: 7 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days 1

Dosage Adjustments

Renal Impairment

• For adults with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min: 300 mg once daily 1
• For pediatric patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min/1.73 m²: 7 mg/kg once daily (up to 300 mg) 1

Hemodialysis

• Initial dose: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg every other day
• Additional dose: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg after each hemodialysis session 1

Administration Considerations

• Can be taken without regard to meals 1
• Oral suspension should be shaken well before each administration 1
• After reconstitution, the suspension can be used for 10 days at room temperature 1

Therapeutic Considerations

Cefdinir is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with good activity against common respiratory and skin pathogens, including:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains)
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus 1, 3

It is stable against many common beta-lactamases, making it effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 7.

Clinical Pearls and Pitfalls

• For penicillin-allergic patients, cefdinir is a recommended alternative for treating bacterial sinusitis and other infections, but should be avoided in those with anaphylactic reactions to penicillins 2
• Cefdinir distributes well into respiratory tissues, middle ear fluid, and skin 3, 7
• The most common adverse effect is diarrhea (reported in approximately 10% of patients) 6
• When treating bacterial sinusitis, reassess treatment response after 72 hours 2
• Cefdinir is inactive against most Enterobacter species, Pseudomonas species, Enterococcus species, penicillin-resistant streptococci, and methicillin-resistant staphylococci 1

Cefdinir's convenient once or twice-daily dosing schedule and palatability of the oral suspension make it a practical option for treating various bacterial infections in both adults and children.