Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Usage directions
Cefdinir comes as a capsule and as an oral suspension. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefdinir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take cefdinir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefdinir without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions
Before taking cefdinir,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefdinir or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor (Ceclor) or cephalexin (Keflex), penicillin, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially probenecid (Benemid, Probalan) and vitamins.
- be aware that antacids containing magnesium or aluminum and products containing iron interfere with cefdinir, making it less effective. Take cefdinir 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids or iron products.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had colitis, diabetes, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cefdinir, call your doctor.
Food limitations and special diet when taking Cefdinir
Cefdinir may cause an upset stomach. Take cefdinir with food or milk.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible side effects
Cefdinir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- vaginal infection
Storage and disposal of Cefdinir
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Other important information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to cefdinir.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (but not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug; cefdinir may cause false positive results.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefdinir, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about Adcef which does not cover all possible drug integrations, directions or precautions. Information at our website cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with his health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment. –
