Why is this medication prescribed?    

Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?    

Cefdinir comes as a capsule and as an oral suspension. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefdinir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take cefdinir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefdinir without talking to your doctor.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?    

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose    

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?    

Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to cefdinir.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (but not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug; cefdinir may cause false positive results.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefdinir, call your doctor.

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