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Cefdinir - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Cefdinir: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Cefdinir?

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine.

Cefdinir is the generic name of the drug and is manufactured under the trade name Omnicef. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and conditions of the ears, skin, throat, tonsils, and sinuses. In 1979 Cefdinir was patented and later got approved for medical use in 1991. In 2018, cefdinir was the 146th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, amidst 4 million prescriptions.

What Are The Uses Of Cefdinir?

Cefdinir is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic that kills & prevents bacterial growth. Cephalosporins are a group of semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics resembling penicillin. Cefdinir is used to treat many bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, and diseases of the ears, skin, throat, and sinuses. Cefdinir is available in tablet, capsule, syrup, suspension, and powder form of dosage. Cefdinir is recommended to take under medical supervision as prescribed.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Cefdinir?

Antibiotics tend to cause adverse side effects in some individuals. Cefdinir too has side effects

such as:

  • Headache 
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting 
  • stomach pain
  • Vaginal moniliasis (Candidiasis in the vagina or vaginal yeast infection).
  • Vaginal itching
  • rashes on skin
  • swelling of facial parts such as nose, lips, eyes, or even throat
  • bloody stools 
  • difficulty in breathing or swallowing

If any of the side effects become severe, stop taking medicine and immediately consult your doctor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cefdinir

1. Can I take cefdinir and doxycycline together?

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic used to treat parasitic and bacterial infections, whereas Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat only bacterial infections. There are no studies that show interactions of disadvantages of taking these antibiotics together. However, it may cause severe side effects, and you should consult your doctor before taking these medicines.

2. What not to take with cefdinir?

Cefdinir should not be taken with antacids or mineral supplements that contain magnesium, aluminum, or iron, as these substances may make it harder for the body to absorb the medicine. Maintain at least a 2hour gap between your mineral supplements and Cefdinir dose. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may worsen your side effects and make you feel sick. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine and take precautions accordingly.

3. Can cefdinir get you high?

Cefdinir is an antibiotic that should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose and remember it, don't take it later, which is near your other dose. Skip the dose if you forget and directly have the later one. If your body gets cefdinir as an overdose, you may get headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Follow your prescription and take cefdinir accordingly. Unless taken in overdose, cefdinir won't make you high.

4. Can you smoke on cefdinir?

Smoking is dangerous to health and may cause severe ill effects in itself. Tobacco smoke interacts with medications and influences the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, causing the bacteria to be more resistant to antibiotics. If you are a smoker, you may require higher doses of antibiotics than regular patients, and it also may take longer for the infection to be treated. Choose wisely.

5. Is cefdinir a sulfa drug?

Cefdinir or Omnicef is an anti-bacterial cephalosporin sulfonamide (a "sulfa" drug) and a folic acid inhibitor. Sulfa drugs are synthetic antibiotics containing the sulfanilamide molecular structure. Sulfa drugs are used to treat many bacterial infections in the body, such as UTI (urinary tract infections), bronchitis, eye infections, tonsillitis, otitis media, and other such conditions.

6. Is cefdinir a strong antibiotic?

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin-type antibiotic that kills and prevents bacterial growth. Cefdinir is effective against mild to moderate infections caused by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Cefdinir, when taken orally, reaches a peak level in the blood within 2-4 hours. Cefdinir is prescribed worldwide and is safe to use even in children. Consult your doctor and follow the prescribed dosage.

7. Is cefdinir the same thing as amoxicillin?

Both Cefdinir and amoxicillin are antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, while cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Even the effectiveness of both the drugs against disease is the same. It depends on your doctor which medication is prescribed to you based on your infection severity and body type.

8. How quickly does cefdinir work?

Antibiotics are always quick at work. Cefdinir, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is effective and shows immediate relief at a certain level after taking the drug within 2-4hours. You may be treated entirely and feel better in 2 days of the cefdinir administration but follow and complete the course as prescribed by your doctor. It may take longer than 3 days, too, to see the results after taking Cefdinir.

9. How long does it take for cefdinir to work for pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a bacterial infection that infects the air sacs in one or both lungs. Cefdinir is used majorly to treat pneumonia infections in children and adults. Depending on the dosage type, your age, and other health factors, cefdinir may take 3-10 days to treat pneumonia. It is critical to follow the accurate dosage on time as prescribed by your doctor.

10. Is cefdinir effective for strep throat?

Cefdinir is an effective treatment for both lower and upper respiratory tract infections. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that may cause a sore and scratchy throat. Cefdinir may result in quick relief when taken for strep throat. However, it is not recommended to take Cefdinir on your own without consulting a doctor.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.