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Key takeaways
Cefdinir (brand name Omnicef) is a prescription-only cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
The average cash price without insurance for a typical prescription of cefdinir (20, 300 mg capsules) is $114. Most Medicare and insurance company plans cover cefdinir.
Ways to lower the cost of a cefdinir prescription include comparing prices at different pharmacies, using a savings coupon, or discussing alternative antibiotic therapies with your healthcare provider.
Cefdinir is a generic prescription antibiotic drug formerly available as the branded medication Omnicef. Specific uses include treatment of bacterial infections such as ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), and urinary tract infections (UTIs). As a third-generation cephalosporin, cefdinir kills bacteria by blocking the mechanisms for them to grow and multiply. Cefdinir is available as either a capsule or oral suspension. Although cefdinir is the generic formulation, it may still be considered expensive when paying full retail price. For those without insurance coverage, this article will discuss several ways to make a cefdinir prescription more affordable.
RELATED: What is cefdinir?
How much does cefdinir cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a typical prescription of 20, 300 mg capsules of cefdinir is $114. The liquid suspensions—a 100 ml bottle of 125 mg/5 ml strength and a 100 ml bottle of 250 mg/5 ml strength sell for around $16 and $24, respectively. Health insurance plans can help lower this cost, but your out-of-pocket cost varies depending on your plan. SingleCare discount coupons are available for cefdinir and can lower the cost of the drug by up to 80%.
Compare cefdinir prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Cefdinir | $114 per 20, 300 mg capsules | $16 per 20, 300 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cefaclor | $129 per 30, 500 mg capsules | $56 per 30, 500 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cefuroxime axetil | $178 per 14, 500 mg capsules | $15 per 14, 500 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cefprozil | $86 per 20, 500 mg capsules | $20 per 20, 500 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cefadroxil | $50 per 14, 500 mg capsules | $8 per 14, 500 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cephalexin | $45 per 28, 500 mg capsules | $10 per 28, 500 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
| Cefpodoxime proxetil | $177 per 14, 200 mg capsules | $32 per 14, 200 mg capsules of generic | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of generic drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
RELATED: Cefdinir vs. amoxicillin: Differences and similarities
Is cefdinir covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans cover cefdinir, although coverage and co-pay may vary by plan. The same applies to Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if your specific insurance provider covers cefdinir.
How to get cefdinir without insurance
Paying for an expensive prescription antibiotic without insurance may be difficult for some. Depending on the bacterial infection being treated, the regimen of cefdinir may be one 300 mg capsule twice daily for five days (10 capsules total) or one 300 mg capsule twice daily for ten days (20 capsules total). That means the cost without insurance can be from around $60 to $114. Fortunately, there are alternatives to paying full price for your cefdinir prescription. Here are some possible ways to save money on cefdinir without insurance:
1. Use a SingleCare prescription discount card
A SingleCare coupon can lower the cash price of cefdinir from $114 to $16 for 20, 300 mg capsules. Visit the cefdinir coupon page and read the FAQ section to find additional drug information, such as directions for taking cefdinir, precautions and adverse effects to be aware of, and possible uses. Signing up for the coupon is free, and it can be used at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS and Walgreens.
2. Discuss lower-cost alternatives with your healthcare provider
Although there are no OTC alternatives to antibiotics like cefdinir, there are other generic prescription cephalosporins that may cost less than cefdinir (see drug chart above) that would serve as an equally effective substitute. However, be aware that each given drug has its own safety risks, drug interactions, side effects, and warnings. Consult your doctor or other healthcare provider for personalized medical advice on which option is best for you. Your pharmacist has the knowledge and can help with information on the costs of each medication.
3. Shop around at different pharmacies
Pharmacies may charge different prices for the same drug. To find the best price, shop different pharmacies.
- Omnicef (cefdinir), FDA label