Cefexta

Indications

Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as:

• middle ear infection (otitis media), mainly in children;
• sore throat and tonsillitis caused by bacteria;
• sinus infection;
• chest infections, including community-acquired pneumonia and flare-ups of chronic bronchitis;
• uncomplicated skin infections.

It does not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.

How It Works

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria break apart and die.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 13 years and older: 300 mg every 12 hours, or 600 mg once a day, usually for 5 to 10 days depending on the infection. Pneumonia and skin infections are treated with 300 mg every 12 hours.

Children under 13: the suspension is dosed by body weight, as prescribed by the doctor. Use the measuring device supplied.

Kidney problems: the dose may need to be lowered, as prescribed.

Take with or without food. Finish the whole course even if you feel better, to stop the infection coming back.

Interactions

• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium and iron supplements reduce absorption; take Cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after them. Iron-fortified infant formula does not have this problem.
• Probenecid raises Cefdinir levels.
• With iron, stools may turn reddish; this is harmless.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Cefdinir or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• A past severe allergic reaction to Penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics

Side Effects

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, headache, nappy rash in infants, and vaginal thrush. Reddish stools can occur, especially with iron.

Get medical help at once for a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash or hives), a blistering or peeling skin rash, or severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea during or up to several weeks after treatment.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cephalosporins are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but use Cefdinir only if your doctor advises. It has not been found in breast milk at measurable levels after usual doses; it can usually be used while breastfeeding with your doctor's advice. Watch the baby for diarrhoea or thrush.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell your doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics, especially Penicillin.
• Take extra care in kidney disease and in people with a history of bowel inflammation (colitis).
• Long use can lead to infections by resistant germs or fungi.
• The suspension contains sugar; take care in diabetes.

Overdose

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea, and rarely fits. Contact a doctor or go to hospital; treatment is supportive and dialysis can remove the medicine.

Therapeutic Class

Antibiotic (third-generation cephalosporin).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. After mixing, keep the suspension tightly closed, shake well before each use and discard any left after 10 days.