Cefdinir 300 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Cefdinir Uses  

Cefdinir is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the class of cephalosporin. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like: 

1. Throat infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis 
2. Ear infections (otitis media) 
3. Sinus infections 
4. Chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia 
5. Urinary tract infections 
6. Skin and soft-tissue infections 

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Cefdinir side effects 

More Common  

1. Diarrhea 
2. Nausea 
3. Vomiting 
4. Stomach pain 
5. Headache 
6. Dizziness 
7. Skin rash 
8. Itching 

Less Common

1. Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, throat) 
2. Severe diarrhea (Clostridium difficile infection) 
3. Yellowing of skin or eyes 
4. Unusual tiredness or weakness    

How Cefdinir works 

Cefdinir works by stopping bacteria from building their protective cell wall. It blocks the enzymes that bacteria need to make this wall. Without a strong cell wall, the bacteria become weak, break apart, and die. This helps clear the infection from the body. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy/Hypersensitivity

Avoid this medicine if you are allergic to Cefdinir, as taking it again may cause breathing problems, wheezing, skin rashes, swelling, or serious allergic reactions. Always inform your doctor if you have had any reaction to antibiotics before using this medicine. 

Kidney Problems

If you have severe kidney disease, inform your doctor as the medicine may build up in your body and increase side effects. Dose adjustment is usually required.  

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, inform your doctor as Cefdinir should be used only if clearly needed; safety for the baby is not fully established. 

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, since Cefdinir can pass into breast milk and affect the baby.

Cefdinir Interaction with Food Product

Avoid iron-rich foods, iron supplements, milk, dairy products, and antacids as they can reduce the absorption of cefdinir and make it less effective. To get the best results, cefdinir should be taken at least 2 hours before or after consuming these items. 

Cefdinir Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Cefdinir with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Cefdinir Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Cefdinir: (6R,7R)-7-[[(2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetyl]amino]-3-ethenyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Cefdinir exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take Cefdinir more than 600 mg per day. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Cefdinir Summary

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, throat and tonsil infections, sinusitis, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. It works by blocking the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which makes the bacteria weak and causes them to burst and die, helping to clear the infection. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and skin rash, while serious reactions may include severe allergy or persistent diarrhea.  

Cefdinir should not be used in people who are allergic to this medicine, in those with severe kidney disease without dose adjustment, or in patients with a history of antibiotic-associated colitis unless advised by a doctor. Iron-rich foods, iron supplements, dairy products, and antacids can reduce its absorption, so it should be taken at least 2 hours before or after these items for best effect.  

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Cefdinir? 

Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, throat and tonsil infections, sinusitis, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.  

What class of drug does Cefdinir belong to? 

Cefdinir belongs to the third-generation cephalosporin group of antibiotics. 

What is the mechanism of action of Cefdinir? 

Cefdinir works by blocking the formation of the bacterial cell wall, making the bacteria weak and causing them to break and die, which helps clear the infection. 

Reference 

1. Cefdinir Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from 
2. PubChem. Cefdinir [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Jan 14]. Available from 
3. Cefdinir dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more [Internet]. reference.medscape.com. Available from   

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.