What is the recommended dosage of Cefdinir (Cefdinir) for adults and children with normal renal function?

Cefdinir Dosage Guidelines for Adults and Children with Normal Renal Function

For patients with normal renal function, the recommended dosage of cefdinir is 14 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 600 mg per day for children, and 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for adults. 1

Adult Dosing

• Adults and adolescents should receive cefdinir 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily 1, 2
• Total daily dose should not exceed 600 mg 1
• Duration of therapy depends on the type of infection being treated, typically 5-10 days 2, 3
• Cefdinir can be administered without regard to meals 1

Pediatric Dosing

• For children 6 months through 12 years: 14 mg/kg/day, not to exceed 600 mg per day 1
• Can be administered as a single daily dose (14 mg/kg once daily) or divided (7 mg/kg twice daily) 1
• Once-daily dosing is as effective as twice-daily dosing for most infections 1, 2
• For skin infections, twice-daily dosing (7 mg/kg every 12 hours) is recommended 1

Dosing by Infection Type in Pediatric Patients

• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily for 5-10 days 1
• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily for 10 days 1
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily for 5-10 days 1
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: 7 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10 days 1

Weight-Based Dosing Chart for Pediatric Patients

For the 125 mg/5 mL suspension:

• 9 kg/20 lbs: 2.5 mL every 12 hours or 5 mL once daily 1
• 18 kg/40 lbs: 5 mL every 12 hours or 10 mL once daily 1
• 27 kg/60 lbs: 7.5 mL every 12 hours or 15 mL once daily 1
• 36 kg/80 lbs: 10 mL every 12 hours or 20 mL once daily 1
• ≥43 kg/95 lbs: 12 mL every 12 hours or 24 mL once daily 1

For the 250 mg/5 mL suspension:

• 18 kg/40 lbs: 2.5 mL every 12 hours or 5 mL once daily 1
• 27 kg/60 lbs: 3.75 mL every 12 hours or 7.5 mL once daily 1
• 36 kg/80 lbs: 5 mL every 12 hours or 10 mL once daily 1
• ≥43 kg/95 lbs: 6 mL every 12 hours or 12 mL once daily 1

Special Considerations

• Patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min): adults should receive 300 mg once daily 1
• For pediatric patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min/1.73 m², the dose should be 7 mg/kg (up to 300 mg) once daily 1
• For patients on hemodialysis: 300 mg or 7 mg/kg every other day with an additional dose at the conclusion of each hemodialysis session 1

Clinical Efficacy

• Cefdinir has demonstrated good clinical and bacteriological efficacy in respiratory tract infections and skin/skin structure infections 2, 3
• It has shown equivalent efficacy to other commonly used antibiotics including amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefprozil, and cefalexin 3, 4
• The drug distributes well into respiratory tract tissues and fluids, as well as skin blisters and ear fluids 2

Common Adverse Effects

• Diarrhea is the most common adverse event, occurring in approximately 20% of patients 3, 4
• Generally well-tolerated with discontinuation rates due to adverse events similar to comparator antibiotics 3
• Has demonstrated superior taste/palatability over other oral antimicrobial agents, which may improve adherence, especially in pediatric patients 2