From the Guidelines
For a 48-pound child, the recommended cefdinir dose is 14 mg/kg/day, divided into once or twice daily dosing, as per the standard pediatric dosing guidelines 1. To calculate the dose, first, we need to convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. Since 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.45 kilograms, a 48-pound child weighs approximately 21.8 kg.
- The recommended dose of 14 mg/kg/day would be 14 mg/kg/day * 21.8 kg = 305 mg per day.
- This can be given as either 305 mg once daily or 152.5 mg twice daily.
- Since cefdinir suspension typically comes in a concentration of 125 mg/5mL or 250 mg/5mL, practical dosing would be 12 mL of the 125 mg/5mL suspension or 6 mL of the 250 mg/5mL suspension once daily, or half these amounts twice daily. The duration of treatment depends on the infection being treated, typically 5-10 days for most common infections, as outlined in the management of community-acquired pneumonia guidelines 1.
- Cefdinir should be given with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- Common side effects include diarrhea and diaper rash.
- If using the suspension, remember to shake well before measuring and refrigerate the medication between uses. Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic effective against many common bacterial infections in children, including otitis media, sinusitis, and pharyngitis, as mentioned in the guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. Pediatric patients who weigh ≥ 43 kg should receive the maximum daily dose of 600 mg. Weight … 36 kg/80 lbs … ≥ 43 kga/95 lbs
Since the child weighs 48 pounds, which is greater than 43 kg, the recommended dose is the maximum daily dose of 600 mg per day 2.
From the Research
Cefdinir Dosing for a 48-Pound Child
To calculate the cefdinir dose for a 48-pound child, we need to consider the recommended dosage in pediatric patients.
- The dosage is typically based on the child's weight, with a recommended dose of 14 mg/kg/day in one or two daily doses 3.
- For a 48-pound child, we first need to convert the weight to kilograms. Since 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.45 kilograms, a 48-pound child weighs approximately 21.6 kilograms (48 * 0.45).
- Using the recommended dose of 14 mg/kg/day, the total daily dose for a 21.6-kilogram child would be 14 mg/kg/day * 21.6 kg = 302.4 mg/day.
- This dose can be administered once daily or divided into two daily doses, depending on the specific treatment regimen and the child's response to the medication 3, 4.
Administration Considerations
- Cefdinir is available in oral suspension and capsule forms, allowing for flexible administration options for pediatric patients 5, 6.
- The choice of administration route and frequency should be based on the child's ability to swallow capsules or tolerate the oral suspension, as well as the specific clinical guidelines for the infection being treated.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
- Cefdinir has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in pediatric patients for the treatment of various infections, including respiratory tract infections and skin infections 7, 3, 4.
- Common adverse events associated with cefdinir include diarrhea, which is generally mild and self-limiting 7, 3.