Cefdinir provides broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage with the convenience of twice-daily dosing and good palatability. Its effectiveness against resistant organisms makes it a valuable second-line option when first-line antibiotics are not suitable.
6 months and older
125 mg/5 mL
Strawberry with slightly artificial note - Good - most children accept readily palatability
Children who can handle larger volumes
250 mg/5 mL
Strawberry, slightly more concentrated - Good - concentrated strawberry taste palatability
Children who can reliably swallow capsules (usually 6+ years)
300 mg
No taste when swallowed whole - Excellent if can swallow, bitter if opened palatability
Check child's name, cefdinir dose, frequency, and duration. Review all supplements and medications for iron content.
Safety Note: Iron supplements can reduce cefdinir absorption by up to 80%
Add exact amount of water specified by pharmacist. Shake vigorously until completely dissolved.
Safety Note: Incorrect water amount affects concentration and dosing accuracy
Shake for 10-15 seconds until completely uniform. Cefdinir settles between doses.
Safety Note: Inadequate mixing leads to variable dosing
Ensure at least 2 hours separation from iron supplements, multivitamins, or antacids.
Safety Note: Concurrent administration dramatically reduces effectiveness
Use provided measuring device or calibrated oral syringe. Draw to exact prescribed volume.
Safety Note: Accurate dosing important for effectiveness and resistance prevention
Give medication and confirm full dose swallowed. Can give with or without food based on tolerance.
Safety Note: Partial doses may not achieve therapeutic levels
Store upright in main refrigerator compartment. Check and mark discard date (10 days).
Safety Note: Room temperature storage reduces potency
Method: Oral syringe with slow administration
Positioning: Upright or semi-upright position
Method: Medicine cup or syringe
Positioning: Sitting upright during routine time
Method: Medicine cup with increasing independence
Positioning: Sitting at table or familiar location
Method: Suspension or capsules based on preference
Positioning: Independent with supervision
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Temperature: Not specified
Stability: Not specified
Risk: Dramatically reduced antibiotic absorption and potential treatment failure
Prevention: Always check supplements for iron; create timing schedule
Risk: Variable concentrations and inconsistent dosing
Prevention: Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until uniform
Risk: Incomplete treatment and potential resistance development
Prevention: Emphasize importance of completing full prescribed course
Iron interaction is the most clinically significant aspect of cefdinir therapy
Red-colored stools are harmless and common, not a reason to stop therapy
Twice-daily dosing significantly improves compliance compared to more frequent regimens
Good activity against beta-lactamase producing organisms makes it valuable second-line agent
Cefdinir's twice-daily convenience and broad spectrum coverage make it an excellent choice for many pediatric infections. The key to success is managing iron interactions and completing the full course as prescribed.