Cefdinir: what it treats, how to take it, and safety tips

Cefdinir is a commonly prescribed oral antibiotic used for ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, and some skin infections. It’s a third-generation cephalosporin — that just means it fights a range of bacteria well. You’ll usually get it when your doctor thinks those infections are bacterial, not viral.

How to take cefdinir safely

Typical adult dosing is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once daily, depending on the infection. For children the dose is based on weight, and the total daily dose shouldn’t exceed adult limits. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions — don’t change the dose or stop early even if you feel better. Finish the full course to avoid resistance and relapse.

Take cefdinir with or without food. If you’re taking iron supplements, antacids with aluminum or magnesium, or multivitamins with iron, take them at least two hours apart from cefdinir — iron can make the antibiotic less effective and cause red-colored stools in infants. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may lower the dose or space it out more.

Common side effects and when to call

Mild side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and vaginal yeast infections. Diarrhea is common; if it’s severe, bloody, or persistent, call your doctor because it could be C. difficile infection, which needs immediate attention. Stop cefdinir and seek emergency care if you have hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash — these may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Also watch for jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, or unusual fatigue — those can signal liver issues. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on multiple medicines, talk to your prescriber. Cefdinir can interact with drugs like probenecid and some supplements, so give your doctor a full list of what you take.

Store cefdinir at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed one. Don’t double up.

Want to buy cefdinir? It requires a prescription in most countries. Use a licensed pharmacy and avoid sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription. Legit pharmacies will show contact details, a verified license, and a pharmacist you can contact. Be wary of extremely low prices and no-contact checkouts — those are red flags. Ask the pharmacist about generic options; generic cefdinir is bioequivalent and usually cheaper.

If you’re unsure whether an antibiotic is right for your symptoms, ask a clinician or get a short telehealth consult. Antibiotics help when they’re needed, but they don’t help viral colds or flu and using them unnecessarily causes side effects and resistance. If you notice anything worrying while on cefdinir, call your healthcare provider right away.