• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is cefdinir?
Cefdinir is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body. Cefdinir is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. Cefdinir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of cefdinir?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, sore throat, and joint pain with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• chest pain, shortness of breath.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;

• anxiety, drowsiness;

• increased night-time urination;

• headache;

• runny nose, sore throat, cough; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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How should I take cefdinir?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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What is the most important information I should know about ceftibuten?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Cedax, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Spectracef, Suprax, and others. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefdinir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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What other drugs will affect cefdinir?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: probenecid (Benemid); or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron. This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cefdinir. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Cefdinir has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain) and decreased fetal body weight. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Cefdinir should be given during pregnancy only if need is clearly established.

Following administration of single 600 mg doses, cefdinir has not been detected in human breast milk. Other cephalosporins have been classified as compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to cefdinir or other cephalosporins.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach, pain, or diarrhea.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefdinir?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as: cefadroxil (Duricef); ceftibuten (Cedax); cefditoren (Spectracef); cefixime (Suprax); cefprozil (Cefzil); ceftazidime (Fortaz); cefuroxime (Ceftin); cephalexin (Keflex); and others. Before taking cefdinir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins, or if you have an intestinal disorder such as colitis. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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