What is the recommended dose of Omnicef (Cefdinir) for adults and children?

Recommended Dosage of Omnicef (Cefdinir)

For adults, the recommended dose of Omnicef (cefdinir) is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days, while for children the dose is 14 mg/kg/day divided into one or two doses (maximum 600 mg/day). 1

Adult Dosing

• Standard adult dose: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days 1
• Maximum daily dose: 600 mg
• Administration: Can be taken without regard to meals 1

Adult Dosing by Infection Type:

• Acute bacterial otitis media: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for 10 days
• Uncomplicated skin infections: 300 mg twice daily for 10 days (once-daily dosing not recommended for skin infections) 1

Pediatric Dosing (6 months through 12 years)

• Standard pediatric dose: 14 mg/kg/day, divided as either:
  • 7 mg/kg twice daily, or
  • 14 mg/kg once daily 1
• Maximum daily dose: 600 mg (for children weighing ≥43 kg) 1

Pediatric Dosing by Infection Type:

• Acute bacterial otitis media: 7 mg/kg twice daily for 5-10 days OR 14 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 7 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days OR 14 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 7 mg/kg twice daily for 5-10 days OR 14 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
• Uncomplicated skin infections: 7 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days (once-daily dosing not studied for skin infections) 1

Dosage Adjustments for Special Populations

Renal Impairment

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

Hemodialysis Patients

• Initial dose: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg every other day
• After each hemodialysis session: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg should be given
• Subsequent doses: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg every other day 1

Clinical Considerations

• Cefdinir has demonstrated good clinical and bacteriological efficacy against common respiratory and skin pathogens 2
• The drug's pharmacokinetic profile allows for convenient once- or twice-daily administration 2
• Cefdinir is stable against common beta-lactamases, making it effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis 2

Common Adverse Effects

• Diarrhea (most common adverse event) 2
• Generally well-tolerated with discontinuation rates due to adverse events similar to comparator antibiotics 2

Important Administration Notes

• Oral suspension must be properly reconstituted and can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days 1
• Shake suspension well before each administration 1
• For optimal patient adherence, consider the once-daily dosing option when appropriate for the infection type 2

Remember that appropriate dosing based on infection type, patient age, weight, and renal function is essential for optimal clinical outcomes.