Why is this medication
prescribed?
Cefdinir
is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria,
such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis,
tonsillitis, and skin infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds,
flu, or other viral infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Cefdinir
comes as a capsule and as an oral suspension. It is usually taken once
or twice a day. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the
medication evenly. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take cefdinir exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue
to take cefdinir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefdinir
without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking cefdinir,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to cefdinir or any other cephalosporin
antibiotic such as cefaclor (Ceclor) or cephalexin (Keflex),
penicillin, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially probenecid (Benemid, Probalan) and vitamins.
- be aware that antacids
containing magnesium or aluminum and products containing iron interfere
with cefdinir, making it less effective. Take cefdinir 2 hours before
or 2 hours after antacids or iron products.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had colitis, diabetes, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking cefdinir, call your doctor.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
Cefdinir
may cause an upset stomach. Take cefdinir with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from cefdinir are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue
If you
experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the face, eyes,
lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or
swallowing
- vaginal infection
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor may order
certain lab tests to check your response to cefdinir.
If you
are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (but not Clinitest) to test your
urine for sugar while taking this drug; cefdinir may cause false
positive results.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not
refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the cefdinir, call your doctor.
