From the Research
For pediatric ear infections, Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is dosed at 90 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component divided twice daily for 10 days, and Cefdinir is dosed at 14 mg/kg/day divided once or twice daily (maximum 600 mg/day) for 5-10 days. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of amoxicillin-clavulanate as the treatment of choice for children between 6 months and 12 years of age with acute otitis media. Key points to consider when prescribing these medications include:
- Administering them with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
- Being aware that Augmentin may cause diarrhea more frequently than cefdinir
- Noting that cefdinir can sometimes cause reddish stools due to interaction with iron in the diet, which is harmless but should be mentioned to parents to avoid unnecessary concern
- Considering the potential for penicillin allergy when choosing between these medications
- Recognizing that cefdinir is typically reserved for patients who have failed initial therapy with amoxicillin or Augmentin. It's also important to note that the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanate was found to be superior to cefdinir in eradicating Streptococcus pneumoniae from the culture, as shown in the study 1. Overall, the choice between Augmentin and cefdinir should be based on the individual patient's needs and medical history, with consideration of the potential benefits and side effects of each medication.