cefdinir

Cefdinir is a prescription semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes:

• cephalexin (Keflex)
• cefaclor (Ceclor)
• cefuroxime (Zinacef)
• cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Many injectable antibiotics

Note: Omnicef brand has been discontinued and there are no other brand names available for cefdinir available in the US

Cefdinir is effective against susceptible bacteria causing infections of the following:

• Middle ear (otitis media)
• Tonsils (tonsillitis)
• Throat (strep throat)
• Larynx (laryngitis)
• Sinuses (sinusitis)
• Bronchi (bronchitis)
• Lungs (pneumonia)
• Skin and other soft tissues

Cefdinir is not active against Pseudomonas.

• Cefdinir generally is well tolerated. The most common side effects are:
  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vaginal moniliasis
  • Vaginitis
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Headache
• Rare side effects include:
  • Abnormal liver tests
  • Allergic reactions
  • Abnormal stool
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
• Cefdinir may cause false test results with some tests for sugar in the urine.
• Like most antibiotics, cefdinir may cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile colitis), a potentially serious bacterial infection of the colon. Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting cefdinir (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their doctor immediately.
• Persons who are allergic to the penicillin class of antibiotics, for example, amoxicillin, amoxicillin, and clavulanic acid (Augmentin), which are related to cephalosporins, may or may not be allergic to cephalosporins.

• Cefdinir is taken once or twice daily, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
• The capsules or suspension can be taken with or without food.
• Patients with advanced kidney disease may need to take lower doses to prevent the accumulation of cefdinir since it is eliminated from the body by the kidneys.
• For adult infections, the usual dose is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg per day for 5-10 days depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
• The recommended dose for children 6 months to 12 years of age is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg per day for 5-10 days depending on the type of infection.
• For most infections, once-daily dosing is as effective as twice-daily dosing, although once-daily dosing has not been evaluated for the treatment of skin infections or pneumonia.

• Aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids reduce the absorption of cefdinir from the intestine. Separating the administration of cefdinir and such antacids by two hours prevents this interaction.
• Iron supplements also reduce the absorption of cefdinir. Separating the administration of cefdinir and iron supplements by two hours prevents this interaction. There have been reports of reddish stool in patients who have received cefdinir. This could be due to the formation of a chemical complex between cefdinir and iron in the stomach.
• Cefdinir has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • argatroban
  • BCG vaccine live
  • bivalirudin
  • cholera vaccine
  • dalteparin
  • enoxaparin
  • fondaparinux
  • heparin
  • warfarin
• Cefdinir has moderate interactions with at least 25 other drugs.
• Cefdinir has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • cefpirome
  • chloramphenicol
  • choline magnesium trisalicylate
  • furosemide
  • ibuprofen
  • rose hips
  • willow bark

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use.  Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.  Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

• There are no adequate studies of cefdinir in pregnant women; however, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus.
• Cefdinir is not secreted in human milk.

What preparations of cefdinir are available?

• Capsules: 300 mg.
• Oral suspension: 125 and 250 mg/5 mL

How should I keep cefdinir stored?

• Cefdinir should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C).
• The suspension may be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days after mixing.

How does cefdinir work?

• Like other cephalosporins, cefdinir stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Cefdinir is active against a very wide spectrum of bacteria, including
  • Staphylococcus aureus;
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae;
  • Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat);
  • Hemophilus influenzae;
  • Moraxella catarrhalis;
  • E. coli;
  • Klebsiella; and
  • Proteus mirabilis.

Therapeutic uses of cefdinir include otitis media (infections of the middle ear), infections of soft tissues, and respiratory tract infections.

When was cefdinir approved by the FDA?

• The FDA approved cefdinir in December 1997.