What is Cefdinir?
Cefdinir, also known as Omnicef, is an antibiotic used for the treatment of pneumonia, strep throat, otitis media, and cellulitis. It is a less preferred option for pneumonia, otitis media, and strep throat, and may be used in people who have a severe penicillin allergy. It is taken orally.
Cefdinir Uses
Cefdinir is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This antibiotic is classified as a cephalosporin. It works by preventing bacterial growth. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It is not effective for viral infections (such as common cold, flu).
How to use cefdinir oral?
Take this medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, typically once or twice daily (every 12 hours). Before each dose, thoroughly shake the bottle.
The dosage is assessed by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. The dose is based on the weight of the children.
Take this antibiotic at regular intervals of time for the best possible results. Even if your symptoms do not appear after a few days, keep taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is gone. Stopping the medication earlier may cause bacteria to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection.
Some medications can bind to cefdinir, preventing it from being absorbed completely. If you are taking magnesium or aluminum-containing antacids, iron supplements, or vitamin/mineral products, keep the time difference at least 2 hours apart from cefdinir. Iron-fortified infant formulas, on the other hand, do not bind with cefdinir and can be given concurrently.
Cefdinir Side effects
- Black, tarry stools
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Painful or difficult urination
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers
- Swollen glands
- Bleeding or bruising
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Rash
- High fever
- Hives
- Increased thirst
- Inflammation of the joints
- Irregular breathing
- Fast heartbeat
Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other antibiotics (such as penicillins), or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients of this product can cause allergic reactions or some other problems.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have kidney disease or intestinal disease, before using this medication (colitis).
If you have diabetes, this medication contains sugar, which may cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
If you are pregnant, notify your doctor. It can harm an unborn child. If you become pregnant, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
It is not known that this medication is excreted in breast milk or not. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Interactions
Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for serious side effects. Keep a record of everything you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (including urine glucose tests), potentially resulting in false results.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
The medicine must not come in contact with heat, air, light and may damage the drug. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Cefdinir vs Ceftriaxone
Cefdinir |
Ceftriaxone |
|---|---|
| Cefdinir also called Omnicef, is an antibiotic used for treating pneumonia, otitis media, strep throat, and cellulitis | Ceftriaxone, also known as Rocephin, is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. |
| This antibiotic is classified as a cephalosporin. It is used for treating a wide range of bacterial infections. | Used to treat bacterial infections that are serious or life-threatening, such as E. coli, pneumonia, or meningitis. Ceftriaxone is also used to prevent infection in patients undergoing specific types of surgery. |
| It works by preventing bacterial growth. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. | It works by interfering with the cell wall formation of bacteria. Ceftriaxone weakens the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together, allowing holes to form. This kills the bacteria that are causing the infection. |
