Cefdinir is a generic prescription antibiotic commonly used to treat some types of bacterial infections. As a third-generation cephalosporin, cefdinir kills bacteria by blocking their ability to produce substances vital to their growth and function. Cefdinir is only taken by mouth as either a capsule or oral suspension. Doses are taken once or twice a day for a few days to clear up an infection.
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Cefdinir overview
BRAND NAMES:
Brand-name cefdinir has been discontinued
Generic Names:
Cefdinir
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses, throat, skin, and ears
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic, cephalosporin antibiotic, third generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Forms:
Capsule, oral suspension
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Cefdinir used for?
Healthcare professionals use cefdinir to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses, throat, skin, and ears.
What form(s) does Cefdinir come in
Capsule
300 mg
Oral suspension (liquid)
125 mg/5 mL
250 mg/5 mL
What are common Cefdinir doses?
For community-acquired pneumonia:
In adults and adolescents: 300 mg taken every 12 hours for 10 days
In children 4 months to 12 years old: 14 mg/kg taken once daily or divided into two doses every 12 hours for 10 days
For chronic bronchitis in adults and adolescents: 600 mg daily taken once or divided into two doses taken every 12 hours for five to 10 days
For sinusitis:
In adults and adolescents: 600 mg daily taken once or in two divided doses every 12 hours for five to 10 days
In children 6 months to 12 years old: 14 mg/kg taken once daily or divided into two doses taken every 12 for 10 days
For bacterial infections of the throat or tonsils:
In adults: 600 mg daily taken once or in two divided doses every 12 hours for five to 10 days
In children 6 months to 12 years old: 14 mg/kg taken once daily or divided into two doses taken every 12 hours for 5–10 days
For uncomplicated skin infections:
In adults: 300 mg taken every 12 hours for 10 days
In children, 6 months to 12 years old: 14 mg/kg taken once daily or divided into two doses taken every 12 hours for 10 days
For middle ear infections in children two months and older: 14 mg/kg taken once daily or divided into two doses taken every 12 hours for 5–10 days depending on age and severity of the infection
Common Cefdinir prescriptions
Cefdinir
100ml of 125mg/5ml bottleCefdinir
100ml of 250mg/5ml bottleCefdinir
60ml of 125mg/5ml bottleCefdinir
60ml of 250mg/5ml bottleCefdinir
300mg capsuleCefdinir
10 capsules disp pack
How to take Cefdinir
Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take or give all of the medicine in the prescription to clear up the infection, even if you or the child you’re caring for feels better after the first few doses.
How to take or administer cefdinir tablets:
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Store cefdinir tablets at room temperature.
How to take or administer cefdinir oral suspension:
Cefdinir oral suspension comes as a powder in a bottle. A pharmacist will mix the powder with water to produce an oral suspension when you pick up the medicine.
The oral suspension is good for only ten days.
Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.
Measure doses only with a calibrated oral syringe—the pharmacist will supply one. Do not use kitchen utensils.
Store cefdinir oral suspension at room temperature.
Discard the bottle and any remaining medicine 10 days after you pick it up at the drugstore.
What to do if you miss a dose of Cefdinir
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Cefdinir contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cefdinir or to any type of cephalosporin antibiotic.
Cefdinir warnings
Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. Cefdinir can affect some important blood or urine tests.
Your healthcare provider may need follow-up visits to track your progress or monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant before starting cefdinir.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Kidney disease or impaired kidney function
Allergies to penicillin antibiotics or other drugs
This medicine can cause severe diarrhea that may occur several weeks or months after treatment ends. Call your healthcare provider if you experience severe diarrhea, watery diarrhea, persistent diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not take any medicine to treat the diarrhea until you have talked to your healthcare provider.
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Cefdinir interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken.
Iron supplements and antacids can interfere with the body’s absorption of cefdinir, making the drug less effective at fighting off an infection. Take or administer the cefdinir dose at least two hours before or after an iron supplement or antacid is used.
Tell the healthcare provider if you are taking the gout medication probenecid. The combination may increase the risk of cefdinir side effects.
If you have diabetes and are monitoring urine glucose at home, cefdinir could alter your test results. Talk to a healthcare provider about urine glucose tests that are unaffected by cefdinir.
Cefdinir side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, bloating
Red or black stools, stomach pain
Pale skin, weakness, problems thinking, tiredness, mood changes, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Decrease in urination, swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath, tiredness, mental changes
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Sores or white patches on the lips, mouth, throat, or vagina
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Diarrhea
Yeast infection
Sources:
Omnicef drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
Cefdinir capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Cefdinir powder for suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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