Cefdinir Dosing

Provides weight-based dosing (14 mg/kg/day) for children and standard 300/600 mg dosing for adults, including suspension volume conversions.

Adult (≥13 years or ≥43 kg)

Typically 10 days (5 days for CAP).

Common: 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL.

Dose Recommendation

Per dose

252 mg

Volume: 10.1 mL (25.0 mg/mL). Administer 1× daily.

Daily total

252 mg/day

Once-daily (14 mg/kg/day). Max daily pediatric dose 600 mg (adult dosing 300 mg q12h or 600 mg q24h).

Adjust duration and dosing for renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min: give once daily). Shake suspension well and discard after 10 days. Counsel about red stools with iron supplements.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Identify patient type

Adults receive fixed dosing; pediatrics use weight-based mg/kg.

2

Choose regimen

Once-daily regimen improves adherence for mild infections; twice-daily for severe disease.

3

Provide clear instructions

Document mg and mL per dose, frequency, duration, and renal adjustments.

Formula

Pediatric daily dose (mg) = weight (kg) × 14 mg/kg/day (max 600 mg).

Based on FDA labeling and AAP recommendations for cefdinir.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust for renal impairment?

CrCl <30 mL/min (adult): 300 mg once daily. Pediatric: same daily dose but once daily.

Can cefdinir cause red stools?

Yes when combined with iron supplements; educate caregivers.

Is cefdinir safe in penicillin allergy?

Use cautiously; cross-reactivity low but avoid in immediate/IgE-mediated reactions.

What infections is cefdinir for?

Otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin infections.

How should suspension be stored?

Store at room temperature; discard unused suspension after 10 days.