Cefdinir is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefdinir is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefdinir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cefdinir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking cefdinir and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure you can safely take cefdinir, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis; or

• if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether cefdinir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The cefdinir suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefdinir if you have diabetes.