Cefdinir — a practical guide for patients

If your doctor prescribed cefdinir, you probably want clear, useful facts — not medical jargon. Cefdinir is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic often used for ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, strep throat and some skin infections. It won't help viral colds or the flu, so only take it when a prescriber says it’s needed.

Quick facts and common uses

Cefdinir comes as capsules and a liquid. Typical adult dosing is either 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily for several days depending on the infection. For children, prescribers dose by weight — commonly about 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily, with a maximum daily dose. If you have kidney problems, your provider may lower the dose or extend the dosing interval.

Start feeling better in a few days for many infections, but that doesn’t mean you can stop early. Finish the full course unless your clinician tells you otherwise — stopping early can let the infection come back and may encourage resistant bacteria.

How to take cefdinir safely

Take cefdinir with or without food. Don’t take it at the same time as iron supplements, multivitamins with iron, or antacids with aluminum or magnesium — these reduce how much medicine your body absorbs. If you need iron, separate it by at least 2 hours before or after cefdinir.

Watch for common side effects: diarrhea, nausea, headache, and mild rashes. If you have severe diarrhea, especially with blood or large amounts, call your doctor — antibiotics can sometimes trigger C. difficile infection. If you develop hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or a sudden rash, seek emergency care. While cross-reaction with penicillin is uncommon, tell your provider about any penicillin allergy before starting cefdinir.

Store capsules at room temperature and keep the liquid suspension as the label directs — many brands recommend discarding the reconstituted bottle after 10 days. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and dispose of leftovers following local guidelines or pharmacy take-back programs.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Tell your clinician. Data on cefdinir in pregnancy and lactation is limited, so your provider will weigh benefits and risks for your situation.

Questions to ask your prescriber: Do I need this antibiotic now? How long should I take it? Should I adjust other medications I’m on? When should I call if I’m not improving? Clear answers to these will help you use cefdinir safely and effectively.

If you worry about buying antibiotics online, only use licensed pharmacies and always keep a valid prescription. If anything feels off — strange packaging, prices that seem too good, or no pharmacist contact — stop and check with a local provider or trusted pharmacy.

Need more detail tailored to your case? Ask your pharmacist or prescriber — they can adjust dose, check interactions, and help with side effect questions so you get the best result from treatment.