What is Cefdinir: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Cefdinir overview

Generic Names:

  • Cefdinir

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cefdinir used for?

Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections of the inner ear, sinuses, soft tissues, and respiratory tract. Cefdinir belongs to a group of medications called third generation cephalosporins. Cefdinir is a medication sold under the brand name Omnicef by Abbot Laboratories. Cefdinir was introduced in 1991 and approved by the FDA in 1997. In the treatment of some bacterial infections, cefdinir use is common.

What form(s) does Cefdinir come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Cefdinir doses?

  • Capsule 300MG

  • Bottle 60ML of 125MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 125MG/5ML

  • Bottle 60ML of 250MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 250MG/5ML

Common Cefdinir prescriptions

  • Cefdinir
    100ml of 125mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefdinir
    100ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefdinir
    60ml of 125mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefdinir
    60ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefdinir
    300mg capsule

  • Cefdinir
    10 capsules disp pack

How to take Cefdinir

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Shake the oral liquid well before use.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Missed dose: 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.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Discard any unused portion of the oral liquid after 10 days.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Shake the oral liquid well before use.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Discard any unused portion of the oral liquid after 10 days.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: 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 it if you had an allergic reaction to cefdinir or to any type of cephalosporin.

Cefdinir warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or had an allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics or any other medicines.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • If you have diabetes, use Clinistix® or Tes-Tape® for urine glucose tests while you are taking cefdinir. Cefdinir capsules and liquid may cause incorrect results on the Clinitest® urine glucose test.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Cefdinir interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how cefdinir works. Tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid.

  • If you use antacids or iron supplements (including those found in multivitamins), take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take cefdinir.

  • If you have diabetes, use Clinistix® or Tes-Tape® for urine glucose tests while you are taking cefdinir. Cefdinir capsules and liquid may cause incorrect results on the Clinitest® urine glucose test.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cefdinir side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Red or black stools

  • Severe diarrhea or stomach pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or unusual weakness

  • Bloated feeling, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach

  • Trouble sleeping