Cefdinir interactions to avoid

In this article:

• Cefdinir drug and vitamin interactions
• How to minimize cefdinir interactions
• When to talk to a healthcare provider

In this article

• Cefdinir drug and vitamin interactions
• How to minimize cefdinir interactions
• When to talk to a healthcare provider

Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic—specifically a third-generation cephalosporin—used to treat certain types of bacterial infections in adults and children. Cefdinir is often referred to by the brand name Omnicef, although now it is only available in its generic form. Some of the bacterial infections cefdinir treats include bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat, skin infections, and tonsillitis. Cefdinir can interact with certain medicines, such as antacids, iron supplements, and the gout medication probenecid. If you are taking cefdinir, it is important to know about its interactions so you can have the most effective and safe treatment.

Cefdinir drug and vitamin interactions

Cefdinir can interact with certain medications and supplements, including antacids, iron supplements, and probenecid.

Antacids

People often take over-the-counter (OTC) antacids to relieve symptoms of heartburn or indigestion. Antacids work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. Different antacids contain different ingredients, but many contain magnesium and/or aluminum. These types of antacids interact with cefdinir, reducing the absorption of the antibiotic and also making it take longer to work. If you take an antacid at around the same time as cefdinir, it could cause the antibiotic to be less effective. To avoid this interaction, take cefdinir at least two hours before or after an antacid with magnesium or aluminum. Or, you can take an antacid that does not contain magnesium or aluminum, such as Tums, which contains calcium carbonate. You can always ask your pharmacist if you are not sure what ingredients are in your antacid. Some examples of antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum include:

• Gaviscon
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Rolaids

Iron

If you use an iron supplement, including any vitamin that contains iron, you should know that it may interfere with the absorption of cefdinir. As with antacids, if you take any products that contain iron, you should take cefdinir at least two hours before or two hours after taking iron. Additionally, some patients have reported red stools that may be associated with taking both cefdinir and iron, regardless of the timing of the doses. This is harmless, but may be alarming if you are not expecting it. 

Some examples of iron supplements include:

• FeoSol
• Slow Fe
• Ferrous sulfate
• Multivitamins with iron

Probenecid

Probenecid is a prescription medication used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood in people with gout and gouty arthritis. Probenecid slows down the kidneys’ removal of cefdinir from the body. This can lead to higher levels of cefdinir in the body, which can also worsen the adverse effects of the antibiotic. Common side effects of cefdinir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and vaginal itching. Because of this interaction, probenecid is also sometimes prescribed with certain antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness, although not typically with cefdinir.

Cefdinir/food interactions 

As mentioned above, cefdinir interacts with iron when taken within two hours of each other. It is not known whether foods with added iron, such as iron-fortified breakfast cereals, have the same effect. Babies can continue to drink iron-fortified infant formula while taking cefdinir. Check with your healthcare provider, though, before consuming any other foods that have added iron while you or your child takes cefdinir.

Other cefdinir interactions

Cefdinir treatment can also interfere with some laboratory tests, most commonly with certain types of tests that check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Cefdinir may also occasionally affect a blood test called the Coombs’ test. If you are taking cefdinir and need lab work, tell the lab staff that you are taking cefdinir.

Cefdinir and alcohol 

There is no mention of an interaction between cefdinir and alcohol in the prescribing literature. However, frequent or heavy drinking can weaken the immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections. If you are taking cefdinir, it is best to avoid alcohol to let your immune system recover.

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How to minimize cefdinir interactions

Cefdinir is not safe for everyone. Always tell your healthcare provider about any allergies to medications. You should not take cefdinir if you are allergic to it or any other ingredient in the medicine. If you are allergic to penicillin (or similar drugs like amoxicillin or Augmentin), your healthcare provider may or may not prescribe cefdinir, depending on individual considerations. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your provider. 

Before taking cefdinir, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take—including Rx and OTC drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Discuss any potential drug interactions or timing considerations, for example, the need to take antacids or iron supplements at least two hours before or after cefdinir. 

You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have—including if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. While taking cefdinir, be alert to side effects and report any concerning side effects to your healthcare provider. Get emergency medical help for any serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, or swelling). 

When to talk to a healthcare provider about cefdinir interactions

Before starting any new drug, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about potential interactions and other warnings or considerations. Be sure your provider has the most up-to-date information, including any changes in medical history or medications you take. Take this time to ask your provider any questions about cefdinir interactions and side effects. This will help minimize the risk of interactions and help your doctor choose a safe and effective treatment.