Cefdinir Antibiotic for Children
Abbott Laboratories has announced that a new FDA-approved dosing option of the antibiotic cefdinir (Generic Omnicef® Oral Suspension) is available for use in children aged six months to 12 years. The more concentrated 250-mg/5-ml formulation allows parents to administer fewer teaspoons per dose.
This drug was originally approved in 1997 at 125 mg/5 ml to treat bacterial infections in children. The new formulation is half the volume of the standard formula (125 mg/5 ml); thus, a 40-pound child would require one teaspoon of cef-dinir at 250 mg/5 ml instead of two teaspoons at 125 mg/5 ml.
The new formula has proved effective for treating strep throat as well as mild-to-moderate bacterial infections of the ear, sinus, and skin.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and to maintain the effectiveness of cefdinir and other antibacterial drugs, practitioners should prescribe it only to treat or prevent infections that are thought to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
In pediatric trials, common adverse events were diarrhea, rash, and vomiting.
Cefdinir tablet is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalosporins.
