Cefdinir

About Cefdinir

Cefdinir kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls; it does not treat colds, flu or other viral infections. For adults and adolescents aged 13 and over, the capsules are labeled for community-acquired pneumonia, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute sinusitis, strep throat and tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin infections, at 300 mg every 12 hours or, for some of these, 600 mg once a day, usually for 5 to 10 days. The suspension is labeled for children from six months through twelve years with middle ear infections, sinusitis, strep throat or tonsillitis, or skin infections, dosed by weight at 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once a day, up to 600 mg a day. The dose is lowered when kidney function is severely reduced, and people on hemodialysis take it every other day.

Cefdinir carries no boxed warning. Anyone allergic to cephalosporins must not take it, and the label calls for caution after a penicillin allergy, because allergic reactions can cross between these related antibiotics; a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing means stopping it and getting help at once. Diarrhea is the most common side effect; adults also report vaginal yeast infections, nausea and headache, and children rash and vomiting, with diarrhea and diaper rash more frequent in those aged two and under. Like other antibiotics it can cause Clostridioides difficile diarrhea, with watery or bloody stools, cramps or fever, even two or more months after the last dose, which needs a prompt call to the prescriber.

Stools can turn reddish during treatment. The label explains this as cefdinir binding iron in the gut into a complex that is not absorbed, and many of the people affected were also taking an iron product; MedlinePlus lists reddish stools among the side effects to mention if they are severe or do not go away. Iron-fortified infant formula does not meaningfully reduce absorption, so babies can stay on it. The suspension contains sugar (sucrose), which matters in diabetes, and cefdinir can make urine tests for ketones and some urine sugar tests read falsely positive. The label advises use in pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Taking Cefdinir

How to take it

With or without food, every 12 or 24 hours as prescribed, at about the same times each day, and for the whole course even if you feel better. Shake the suspension well before each dose. Take iron supplements, multivitamins with iron, and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium at least two hours before or after cefdinir.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

Capsules and suspension in the container they came in, tightly closed, at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), out of reach of children. Throw away any mixed suspension left after ten days, and use a take-back program rather than flushing.

Interactions to know about

Iron products and aluminum or magnesium antacids reduce its absorption unless taken two hours apart; iron-fortified infant formula does not. Probenecid raises cefdinir levels. MedlinePlus notes it may make hormonal birth control (pills, patches, rings and injections) less effective, and anyone who tests urine for sugar or ketones should ask which tests stay reliable.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Cefdinir differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Cefdinir is an old generic made by several companies, so a course of capsules costs pharmacies little and the dispensing fee makes up much of a cash quote; a pharmacy that keeps it on a flat-price generic list can quote far less than one that prices it from a list price.

The suspension is priced by strength and bottle size. A child’s dose is set by weight, so a full course can take more than one bottle, and a pharmacy that does not stock the strength on the prescription may need to order it, which can delay the first dose.

Ways to pay less for Cefdinir without insurance

• Ask the pharmacy to quote the generic and compare more than one pharmacy; Omnicef is discontinued, so every fill should be priced as a generic.
• Ask whether cefdinir is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list.
• For a child, ask how many bottles the full course needs at the prescribed strength, and have the quote cover all of them.
• If it is quoted high or is out of stock, ask the prescriber whether another generic antibiotic would suit the infection.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Cefdinir

1. 1.How far apart should I take my iron supplement, multivitamin or antacid?
2. 2.Is a reddish stool on this medicine something to worry about for my child?
3. 3.How long does my child’s liquid keep once it is mixed?
4. 4.Is it safe with my penicillin allergy?

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