Cefdinir

Cefdinir is an antibiotic good for treating many common bacterial infections such as:

• Middle ear infection such as otitis media
• Skin and soft tissue infections like cellulitis and impetigo
• Infection of the sinuses such as sinusitis
• Chest infections such as chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and community-acquired pneumonia
• Throat infections such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, and strep throat
• Meningitis
• Gonorrhea
• Urinary tract infection
• Skin infections

Additional uses of Cefdinir:

• Acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Initial treatment for active tuberculosis in both children and adults along with other anti-tuberculosis medications.

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin type of antibiotic that is approved for medical use since 1991. Its action is similar to Cefixime and other 3^rd generation oral cephalosporin. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria (Streptococci, gram-negative bacteria) especially for people who are allergic to penicillin. However, it has no activity against gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococci.

As a third-generation cephalosporin, it works by killing the bacteria. It disrupts the synthesis of protein necessary for the formation of the bacterial cell wall. For most bacteria, the cell wall is critical for their survival. The bacterial cell wall performs several functions including maintaining the integrity and shape of the cell, which is important for how the bacteria will grow, obtain nutrients, move, and reproduce. Without the cell wall, bacteria will not grow, multiply, and spread.

When and How to Use Cefdinir

The generic Cefdinir comes in a capsule form of different strength to be taken by mouth. The dose of Cefdinir is based on

• Your condition
• The severity of your condition
• How you respond to the treatment
• The strength of the medicine.

Recommended dose for adults: The recommended dose for most bacterial infections in adults is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once a day. The duration of the treatment ranges from 5 to 10 days. The peak effect of Cefdinir is observed within 2 to 4 hours after intake.

Recommended dose for children: The dose for children is based on their weight. The dose is usually 7 mg/ body kg.

Take this medicine only as prescribed by your physician. For best result, take this at an evenly spaced times. Take it at the same time each day. Do not take more or less than what is prescribed to you or for longer than the required duration of treatment. You can take it with or without food but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food. For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Possible Side Effects of Cefdinir

Cefdinir may cause unwanted side effects aside from its intended effects. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms do not go away or are severe:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Vaginal Itching
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Reddish colored stools
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Vaginal discharge
• Skin rash

Seek medical help as soon as possible in case of serious side effects like:

• Allergic reactions with signs like hives, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or eyes. A very serious allergic reaction is rare.
• Difficulty swallowing
• A return of fever, chills, sore throat and other signs of infections
• Stomach cramps, water or bloody stools or fever during the treatment or for up to two months or more
• Chest pain
• Unusual bleeding
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain
• Urinating less than the usual or not at all

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures

Your doctor has prescribed this medication based on the benefit that you can get. Many who take this medicine does not have serious side effects.

What should I know before taking Cefdinir?

• Before taking Cefdinir, tell your doctor if you have allergies or you are allergic to any cephalosporin group of antibiotics. Inform also your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Use it with caution among patients with:
  • A history of allergy to penicillin
  • History of colitis (a condition that causes swelling in the lining of the colon).
  • A gastrointestinal disease that affects the stomach or the intestines
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
• This medicine can interfere with the result of diabetic people who are using Clinistix for testing the urine for sugar.
• This medicine may cause your stool to become reddish which is harmless.
• Cefdinir may rarely cause severe intestinal conditions such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to resistant bacteria. This may occur weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not take any anti-diarrhea or opioid medications as this can only make your condition worse.
• Prolonged use of Cefdinir may result in a vaginal yeast infection or oral thrush. If you notice any white patches in your mouth or a change in vaginal discharge, contact your doctor right away.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, check with your doctor.

Getting the Best Result from Cefdinir

• If you are taking iron supplements, aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids or multivitamins, do not take them at the same time with Cefdinir. Take them at least 2 hours before or after a meal as iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of Cefdinir.
• Keep taking this medicine even if you feel better or even if the infection seems to clear up. Stopping your medication too soon can only worsen your condition or make this antibiotic more resistant to the bacteria.
• You must keep a list of all your medications including prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking as well as vitamins, minerals, and other dietary and herbal supplements.