Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule
- 300mg
oral suspension
- 125mg/5mL
- 250mg/5mL
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
300 mg PO q12hr for 10 days
Respiratory Tract Infections
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by H influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), H parainfluenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), S pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or M catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains); pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
300 mg PO q12hr for 5-10 days or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
Disease caused by H influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), S pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or M catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
300 mg PO q12hr or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Skin/Skin Structure Infections
Uncomplicated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including beta-lactamase-producing strains) or S pyogenes
300 mg PO q12hr for 10 days
Dosing Modifications
Renal impairment
- CrCl <30 mL/min (adults): Not to exceed 300 mg/day PO
- CrCl <30 mL/min (children): 7 mg/kg PO q24hr; not to exceed 300 mg/day
Hepatic impairment
- No dosage adjustment necessary
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule
- 300mg
oral suspension
- 125mg/5mL
- 250mg/5mL
Acute Bacterial Otitis Media
Disease caused by H influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), S pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or M catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months-12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12hr for 5-10 days or 14 mg/kg PO q24hr for 10 days
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
Disease caused by S pyogenes
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months-12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12hr for 5-10 days or 14 mg/kg PO q24hr for 10 days
>12 years or >43 kg: 300 mg PO q12hr for 5-10 days or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
Disease caused by H influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), S pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), or M catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months-12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12hr or 14 mg/kg PO q24hr for 10 days
>12 years or >43 kg: 300 mg PO q12hr or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Skin/Skin Structure Infections
Uncomplicated infections caused by S aureus (including beta-lactamase-producing strains) or S pyogenes
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months-12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12hr for 10 days
>12 years or >43 kg: 300 mg PO q12hr for10 days
Administration
Coadministration with iron-containing supplements
- Iron interferes with cefdinir absorption; administer cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after iron supplements
- Iron-fortified infant formula does not significantly interfere with cefdinir absorption, therefore, cefdinir can be administered with iron-fortified infant formula
- Reddish stools in patients receiving cefdinir have been reported; in many cases, patients were also receiving iron-containing products; reddish color is due to formation of nonabsorbable complex between cefdinir or its breakdown products and iron in GI tract
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (8)
- argatroban
cefdinir increases effects of argatroban by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
- BCG vaccine live
cefdinir decreases effects of BCG vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Wait until Abx Tx complete to administer live bacterial vaccine.
- bivalirudin
cefdinir increases effects of bivalirudin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
- cholera vaccine
cefdinir, cholera vaccine. pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of cholera vaccine with systemic antibiotics since these agents may be active against the vaccine strain. Do not administer cholera vaccine to patients who have received oral or parenteral antibiotics within 14 days prior to vaccination.
- dalteparin
cefdinir increases effects of dalteparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
- enoxaparin
cefdinir increases effects of enoxaparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
- fondaparinux
cefdinir increases effects of fondaparinux by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
- heparin
cefdinir increases effects of heparin by anticoagulation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. cephalosporins may decrease prothrombin activity.
Monitor Closely (25)
- aluminum hydroxide
aluminum hydroxide will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- azithromycin
azithromycin decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens
cefdinir will decrease the level or effect of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- calcium carbonate
calcium carbonate will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cimetidine
cimetidine will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clarithromycin
clarithromycin decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- demeclocycline
demeclocycline decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- dienogest/estradiol valerate
cefdinir will decrease the level or effect of dienogest/estradiol valerate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. An alternate or additional form of birth control may be advisable during concomitant use.
- doxycycline
doxycycline decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- erythromycin base
erythromycin base decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
erythromycin ethylsuccinate decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- erythromycin lactobionate
erythromycin lactobionate decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- erythromycin stearate
erythromycin stearate decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- ethinylestradiol
cefdinir will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- famotidine
famotidine will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ibuprofen/famotidine
ibuprofen/famotidine will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate
cefdinir will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. Antibiotics may decrease hormonal contraceptive efficacy.
- minocycline
minocycline decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- nizatidine
nizatidine will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- probenecid
probenecid will increase the level or effect of cefdinir by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sodium bicarbonate
sodium bicarbonate will decrease the level or effect of cefdinir by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid
cefdinir decreases effects of sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid by altering metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration with antibiotics decreases efficacy by altering colonic bacterial flora needed to convert sodium picosulfate to active drug.
- tetracycline
tetracycline decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. bacteriostatic agents may inhibit the effects of bactericidal agents.
- voclosporin
voclosporin, cefdinir. Either increases toxicity of the other by nephrotoxicity and/or ototoxicity. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity may increase the risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity.
- warfarin
cefdinir increases effects of warfarin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (7)
- cefpirome
cefdinir will increase the level or effect of cefpirome by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- chloramphenicol
chloramphenicol decreases effects of cefdinir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- choline magnesium trisalicylate
cefdinir will increase the level or effect of choline magnesium trisalicylate by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- furosemide
cefdinir increases toxicity of furosemide by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- ibuprofen
cefdinir will increase the level or effect of ibuprofen by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rose hips
rose hips will increase the level or effect of cefdinir by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- willow bark
cefdinir will increase the level or effect of willow bark by acidic (anionic) drug competition for renal tubular clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Diarrhea (8-15%)
1-10%
Vaginal moniliasis (<4%)
Nausea (3%)
Rash (3%)
Headache (2%)
Increased urine leukocytes (2%)
Increased urine protein (1-2%)
Decreased lymphocytes (1%)
Glycosuria (1%)
Increased alkaline phosphatase (1%)
Increased eosinophils (1%)
Increased platelets (1%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Cautions
Note differences between twice-daily and once-daily dosing regimens
Use with caution in patients with history of penicillin allergy; if allergic reaction to cefdinir occurs, discontinue therapy
Dosage adjustments may be necessary if CrCl is <30 mL/min
Bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged or repeated therapy
Use caution in patients with history of colitis
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum interfere with absorption of cefdinir; if this required during therapy, administer at least 2 hr before or after antacid
Iron supplements, including multivitamins that contain iron, interfere with absorption of cefdinir; if iron supplements required administer at least 2 hours before or after supplement
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Third-generation cephalosporin; inhibits mucopeptide synthesis in bacterial cell wall; typically bactericidal, depending on organism susceptibility, dose, and serum or tissue concentrations
Absorption
Bioavailability: 16-21% (capsule); 25% (suspension)
Peak plasma time: 2-4 hr
Plasma protein: 60-70%
Distribution
Distributed into blister fluid, middle-ear fluid, tonsils, sinus tissue, bronchial mucosa, epithelial lining fluid
Vd: 0.29-1.05 L/kg (6 months-12 years); 0.06-0.64 L/kg (adults)
Metabolism
Not appreciably metabolized
Elimination
Half-life: 100 min
Excretion: Urine (7-25% as unchanged drug)
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 300 mg capsule |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 250 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| cefdinir oral - | 125 mg/5 mL suspension |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
cefdinir oral
CEFDINIR - ORAL
(SEFF-dih-neer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Omnicef
USES: Cefdinir is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day or twice a day (every 12 hours).The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Some medications can bind with cefdinir preventing its full absorption. If you take antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, iron supplements, or vitamin/mineral products, take them at least 2 hours apart from cefdinir.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, headache, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.This medication may cause your stools to turn a reddish color, especially if you also take iron products. This is harmless.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), unusual tiredness, new signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), mental/mood changes (such as confusion).This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cefdinir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cephalexin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis).Cefdinir may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using cefdinir before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This medication may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). This drug may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised April 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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