Cefdinir: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cefdinir is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain mild to moderate bacterial infections. It is most commonly prescribed for infections affecting the ears, throat, sinuses, lungs, skin, or skin structures when susceptible bacteria are suspected or confirmed. Cefdinir is a prescription medicine in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine.

Cefdinir is used for mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria. In adults and adolescents, listed uses include community-acquired pneumonia, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin or skin structure infections. In children, listed uses include acute bacterial middle-ear infection, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin or skin structure infections.

The bacteria named in the label include Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Cefdinir should be used for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

The label lists cefdinir capsules containing 300 mg, and oral suspension containing 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL. The label lists a total daily paediatric dose of 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. The usual starting dose is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg every 24 hours for several listed childhood infections.

The label lists twice-daily dosing for skin infections. The label lists 300 mg once daily for adult patients with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min.

The label lists 7 mg/kg, up to 300 mg, once daily for paediatric patients with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. For chronic haemodialysis, the label lists an initial 300 mg or 7 mg/kg dose every other day, with a dose at the conclusion of each session.

Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic. This type of antibiotic interferes with the bacterial processes needed to build and maintain a protective cell wall. Without a stable cell wall, susceptible bacteria can break down and die.

Cefdinir works against certain bacteria, but it does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or influenza. Its effect depends on the bacteria causing the infection being susceptible to it. Antibiotics can also alter the normal bacteria in the bowel, which is why diarrhoea can occur and why antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is a recognised warning.

Animal studies did not show cefdinir to be teratogenic at the doses studied, although some effects on maternal or fetal body weight were observed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

The label states that cefdinir should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before treatment.

A missed dose means that a scheduled dose was not taken at the intended time. General pharmacy advice is to follow the prescribed schedule when remembered, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose.

A missed dose should not usually be replaced by taking extra medicine. A pharmacist or doctor can advise if several doses have been missed or if there is uncertainty about the next dose.

After mixing, the oral suspension can be stored at room temperature, 25°C/77°F. Keep the container tightly closed and shake the suspension well before each administration.

The suspension may be used for 10 days, after which any unused portion must be discarded. Store capsules as directed on the label.