cefdinir (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

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
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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and cefdinir

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      Serious - Use Alternative

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            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (9)

              • 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.

              • microbiota oral

                cefdinir decreases effects of microbiota oral by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Microbiota oral contains bacterial spores. Antibacterial agents may decrease efficacy if coadministered. Complete antibiotic regimens 2-4 days before initiating microbiota oral. .

              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.

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              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%)

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              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

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              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.

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              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)

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              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
              -
              300 mg capsule
              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
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cefdinir oral
              -
              125 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
              -
              250 mg/5 mL suspension
              cefdinir oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension
              cefdinir oral
              -
              125 mg/5 mL suspension

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              cefdinir oral

              CEFDINIR SUSPENSION - 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). Shake the bottle well before each dose.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is also based on weight.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 result in a return 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. However, iron-fortified infant formulas do not bind with cefdinir and can be given at the same time.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, or diaper rash in young children may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify 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).This medicine contains sugar which may increase blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.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 interfere with certain lab tests (such as certain diabetic urine tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all 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.Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              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 the suspension at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard any unused liquid after 10 days.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 October 2023. 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.

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              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

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              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
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              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.