Learn about Cefdinir drug interactions, including iron supplements, antacids, and Warfarin. Know what to avoid and what to tell your doctor before starting.
Cefdinir is generally a safe and well-tolerated antibiotic, but like all medications, it can interact with other drugs, supplements, and even certain foods. Some interactions reduce Cefdinir's effectiveness, while others increase the risk of side effects.
This guide covers the most important Cefdinir drug interactions so you know what to avoid and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions happen when one substance changes how another works in your body. With Cefdinir, interactions typically fall into two categories:
The good news is that Cefdinir has relatively few major interactions compared to many other medications. But the ones it does have are important to know about.
These interactions can significantly affect Cefdinir's effectiveness or your safety:
This is the most important interaction to know about. Iron binds to Cefdinir in your digestive tract and significantly reduces its absorption. If you take Cefdinir at the same time as an iron supplement, you may not get enough of the antibiotic into your bloodstream to fight the infection.
What to do: Separate Cefdinir from iron supplements or iron-containing multivitamins by at least 2 hours. Take Cefdinir first, then wait 2 hours before taking iron — or take iron 2 hours before Cefdinir.
Note: This interaction also causes the harmless reddish stool discoloration that some patients notice.
Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids) also interfere with Cefdinir absorption. The minerals bind to the antibiotic and reduce how much gets into your bloodstream.
What to do: Separate Cefdinir from these antacids by at least 2 hours. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole and H2 blockers like Famotidine do not have this interaction and are safe to take with Cefdinir.
Probenecid (used for gout) blocks the kidneys from excreting Cefdinir, which increases Cefdinir levels in the blood. While this doesn't always cause problems, it raises the risk of dose-related side effects.
What to do: Tell your doctor if you take Probenecid. They may adjust your Cefdinir dose or monitor you more closely.
Cefdinir may decrease the effectiveness of the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) live vaccine. This combination is generally considered contraindicated — meaning it should be avoided.
What to do: Inform your doctor if you've recently received or are scheduled to receive the BCG vaccine.
Cephalosporin antibiotics, including Cefdinir, may increase the blood-thinning effect of Warfarin. This raises the risk of bleeding.
What to do: If you take Warfarin, tell your doctor before starting Cefdinir. They may want to monitor your INR (a blood test that measures clotting time) more frequently during your antibiotic course.
There's a theoretical concern that antibiotics like Cefdinir may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. While clinical evidence is limited and somewhat controversial, some healthcare providers recommend using a backup method of birth control during your antibiotic course.
What to do: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should use a backup contraceptive method while taking Cefdinir.
Similar to the BCG vaccine, Cefdinir may reduce the effectiveness of the live cholera vaccine. Avoid concurrent use if possible.
Beyond prescription drugs, several common over-the-counter products interact with Cefdinir:
Cefdinir has minimal food interactions, which is one of its advantages:
Before starting Cefdinir, make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about:
Your pharmacist is also a great resource. When you pick up Cefdinir, ask them to review your medication list for potential interactions — this is a standard service at most pharmacies.
Cefdinir has fewer drug interactions than many antibiotics, but the ones it does have — particularly with iron and antacids — are important. The simple fix in most cases is timing: separate Cefdinir from iron, antacids, and mineral-containing supplements by at least 2 hours, and you'll get the full benefit of the medication.
When in doubt, bring your full medication list to your doctor or pharmacist. It takes just a few minutes and can prevent problems during your treatment.
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