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. Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis 7 mg/kg q12hor 14 mg/kg q24h 5 to 10 days 10 days
For a two-year-old with streptococcal pharyngitis, the dosing for Cefdinir (Ceftin) is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg every 24 hours. To determine the exact dose, the child's weight is needed. According to the pediatric dosage chart:
- For a child weighing 9 kg/20 lbs, the dose is 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product.
- For a child weighing 18 kg/40 lbs, the dose is 5 mL q12h or 10 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product, or 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h using the 250 mg/5 mL product.
- For a child weighing 27 kg/60 lbs, the dose is 7.5 mL q12h or 15 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product, or 3.75 mL q12h or 7.5 mL q24h using the 250 mg/5 mL product.
- For a child weighing 36 kg/80 lbs, the dose is 10 mL q12h or 20 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product, or 5 mL q12h or 10 mL q24h using the 250 mg/5 mL product.
- For a child weighing ≥ 43 kg/95 lbs, the dose is 12 mL q12h or 24 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product, or 6 mL q12h or 12 mL q24h using the 250 mg/5 mL product. The treatment duration is 5 to 10 days 1.
From the Research
For a two-year-old with strep throat, the recommended dosage of cefdinir is 14 mg/kg/day divided into one or two doses, given for 10 days, as this regimen has been shown to be effective in eradicating group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and improving clinical outcomes 2.
Dosing and Administration
- The dosage of 14 mg/kg/day can be divided into one or two doses, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg.
- The medication is available as an oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL), which is suitable for young children.
- The child's weight should be used to calculate the exact dose.
- Cefdinir can be given with or without food, but high-iron foods or iron supplements should be separated from cefdinir by at least 2 hours to avoid reducing absorption.
Efficacy and Safety
- Cefdinir has been shown to be more effective than penicillin in eradicating group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and improving clinical outcomes in children with streptococcal pharyngitis 2, 3.
- Common side effects of cefdinir include diarrhea and diaper rash.
- If the child has a penicillin allergy, cefdinir may still cause cross-reactivity in some cases, so the healthcare provider should be informed of any previous allergic reactions.
Importance of Completing the Full Course
- It is essential to complete the full 10-day course of cefdinir, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent complications.
- Failure to complete the full course may lead to treatment failure and increased risk of complications, such as acute rheumatic fever 4, 5.