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. Pediatric Patients (Age 6 Months Through 12 Years) Type of Infection Dosage Duration Acute Bacterial Otitis Media 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h 5 to 10 days 10 days Acute Maxillary Sinusitis 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h 10 days 10 days Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis 7 mg/kg q12h or 14 mg/kg q24h 5 to 10 days 10 days Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 7 mg/kg q12h 10 days
The recommended dose of Cefdinir for pediatric patients is 14 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. The dose can be administered as 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg every 24 hours, depending on the type of infection. For pediatric patients who weigh ≥ 43 kg, the maximum daily dose of 600 mg should be administered 1.
From the Research
Cefdinir is typically dosed at 14 mg/kg/day divided into one or two daily doses for children, with a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. For most pediatric infections, the standard course is 5-10 days. For children 6 months to 12 years old with otitis media, sinusitis, or pharyngitis, the recommended dose is 14 mg/kg/day divided twice daily for 10 days, or alternatively, 14 mg/kg once daily for 10 days. For skin infections, the dose is 14 mg/kg/day divided twice daily for 10 days. For children weighing more than 43 kg, the adult dose of 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily should be used. Cefdinir should be adjusted in patients with significant renal impairment. The medication can be given with or without food, though food may improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Cefdinir is effective against many common pediatric pathogens because it's a third-generation cephalosporin with good coverage against respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 2.
Key Considerations
- The dosage of cefdinir for pediatric patients is based on the patient's weight, with a maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
- The standard course of treatment is 5-10 days, depending on the type of infection being treated.
- Cefdinir can be administered once or twice daily, depending on the specific infection being treated.
- Patients with significant renal impairment may require adjusted dosing.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
Supporting Evidence
- A study published in the Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy found that cefdinir was effective in treating respiratory tract infections and skin and skin structure infections in pediatric patients 2.
- A study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that cefdinir was effective in treating suppurative acute otitis media in children, with a dosage of 14 mg/kg/day divided into one or two daily doses 3.
- A study published in the same journal found that a dosage of 25 mg/kg/day was not effective in treating acute otitis media caused by penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae 4.
Clinical Implications
- Cefdinir is a useful option for treating pediatric patients with respiratory tract infections and skin and skin structure infections.
- The medication should be dosed based on the patient's weight, with a maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
- Patients with significant renal impairment may require adjusted dosing.
- Common side effects should be monitored and managed accordingly.