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Peds Calc

Safety Information

Cefdinir Contraindications & InteractionsWhen Not to Use & Important Drug Interactions

Understanding when cefdinir should not be used is essential for your child's safety. Most importantly, avoid this medication if your child has had serious allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics or severe immediate reactions to penicillin.

Clinical Utility: /10
4 Clinical Sources
Back to Cefdinir Overview

Cefdinir contraindications include absolute restrictions (cephalosporin allergies, severe immediate penicillin reactions) and relative cautions (severe renal impairment, C. diff history). Key drug interactions involve iron supplements and antacids that can significantly reduce effectiveness.

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications (Never Use)

Unspecified condition

Any history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefdinir or other cephalosporin antibiotics

Relative Contraindications (Use With Caution)

Unspecified condition

History of immediate anaphylactic reaction to penicillin antibiotics within 1 hour of administration

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medication is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. However, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and need to give this medication to your child, it's always a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it's the best choice for your specific situation.

Drug Interactions

major interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Up to 80% reduction in antibiotic levels

How it happens: Iron chelation dramatically reduces cefdinir absorption

Management: Separate by at least 2 hours

moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Reduced antibiotic effectiveness

How it happens: Metal cations bind to cefdinir reducing absorption

Management: Give cefdinir 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids

moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Increased cefdinir levels and prolonged half-life

How it happens: Blocks renal tubular secretion of cefdinir

Management: Monitor for increased side effects

low_to_moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Theoretical reduced contraceptive efficacy

How it happens: Possible disruption of enterohepatic circulation

Management: Consider backup contraception during treatment

Disease State Considerations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Unknown

No information available

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Unknown

No information available

Safety Screening Tools

Monitoring Requirements

Hypersensitivity reactions

Frequency

Continuous during first dose, then daily

Gastrointestinal effects

Frequency

Daily monitoring

Renal function (if impaired)

Frequency

Monitor symptoms, labs if indicated

Treatment effectiveness

Frequency

Monitor response to therapy

Clinical References

Cefdinir Prescribing Information and Contraindicationsโ€ขFDA Drug Database (2023)regulatory standardPediatric data
Beta-Lactam Cross-Reactivity in Pediatric Patientsโ€ขJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2023)allergy reviewPediatric data
Iron-Cephalosporin Interactions in Childrenโ€ขPediatric Pharmacology (2022)interaction studyPediatric data
Cephalosporin Safety in Pediatric Practiceโ€ขPediatric Infectious Disease Journal (2023)safety reviewPediatric data