Health Library

Cefdinir (By mouth)

Cefdinir (SEF-di-nir)

Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• 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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

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

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

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

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bloated feeling, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or unusual weakness
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024