Cefdinir Dosing for 26.6 Pounds (12 kg)
For a pediatric patient weighing 26.6 pounds (12 kg), administer cefdinir 7 mg/kg every 12 hours OR 14 mg/kg once daily, which equals approximately 84 mg twice daily (1.7 mL of 250 mg/5 mL suspension twice daily) or 168 mg once daily (3.4 mL of 250 mg/5 mL suspension once daily). 1
Standard Dosing Regimen
The FDA-approved dosing for pediatric patients aged 6 months through 12 years is:
- 7 mg/kg every 12 hours (twice daily dosing)
- 14 mg/kg every 24 hours (once daily dosing) 1
The total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. 1
Practical Dosing Calculation for 12 kg Patient
For a 12 kg child:
- Twice daily: 7 mg/kg × 12 kg = 84 mg per dose (approximately 1.7 mL of 250 mg/5 mL suspension) 1
- Once daily: 14 mg/kg × 12 kg = 168 mg per dose (approximately 3.4 mL of 250 mg/5 mL suspension) 1
Using the FDA dosage chart, this patient falls between the 9 kg and 18 kg weight categories. 1 The closest practical dosing would be:
- Using 250 mg/5 mL suspension: 2 mL twice daily (80 mg per dose) or 4 mL once daily (160 mg) 1
Duration of Treatment
Treatment duration depends on the indication:
- Acute bacterial otitis media: 5-10 days (twice daily) or 10 days (once daily) 1
- Acute maxillary sinusitis: 10 days 1
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 5-10 days (twice daily) or 10 days (once daily) 1
- Uncomplicated skin infections: 10 days (twice daily only; once-daily dosing has not been studied for skin infections) 1
Important Clinical Considerations
For skin and skin structure infections, use twice-daily dosing exclusively, as once-daily dosing has not been studied in this indication. 1
Cefdinir may be administered without regard to meals, which provides flexibility in dosing schedules. 1
The suspension should be shaken well before each administration and can be stored at room temperature for 10 days after mixing, after which any unused portion must be discarded. 1
Pharmacokinetic Support
Cefdinir demonstrates good tissue distribution in respiratory tract tissues, fluids, skin blisters, and ear fluids, supporting its once- or twice-daily administration schedule. 2, 3 The pharmacokinetic profile in children is similar to adults when using equivalent mg/m² doses, with peak plasma levels achieved approximately 4 hours after oral administration. 4, 5
Spectrum of Activity
Cefdinir provides excellent coverage against common community-acquired pathogens including Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae. 2, 3 It is stable to hydrolysis by commonly occurring plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases, maintaining activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains. 3, 5