Cefdinir - Oral

Cefdinir is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the ears, nose, throat, skin, and lungs or chest.

Take Cefdinir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Cefdinir is available as a capsule or oral suspension.

If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

Take Cefdinir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Cefdinir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any similar antibiotics such as cefuroxime, cefixime, and other cephalosporins.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon [large intestine])
• history of allergy to penicillin antibiotics
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Cefdinir to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine glucose), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and severe or bloody diarrhoea may also be needed.

Cefdinir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea that may be accompanied by stomach pain and fever
• signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood]).

This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) or iron supplements as they could reduce the effectiveness of Cefdinir. If you must take these medicines, take Cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after you have taken the antacid or iron supplement.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

The oral suspension can be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C after you have mixed the powder with water. Throw away any unused portion after 10 days.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.