Cefdinir Shortage: A Provider Briefing for 2026

The ongoing Cefdinir shortage continues to present challenges for prescribers across primary care, pediatrics, urgent care, and emergency medicine. This briefing provides an up-to-date overview of the shortage timeline, its implications for prescribing decisions, alternative therapies, cost considerations, and tools to help your patients access the medications they need.

Shortage Timeline

Cefdinir supply disruptions have been reported intermittently since 2023, with the current shortage escalating in late 2025:

• 2023: Initial spot shortages reported, primarily affecting the oral suspension formulation used in pediatric populations.
• 2024: Shortages persisted through respiratory illness season, with multiple manufacturers reporting intermittent supply constraints.
• Late 2025: Teva Pharmaceuticals placed both the 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension (60 mL) and 300 mg capsules on back order, with an estimated release date of early January 2026.
• Early 2026: Cefdinir remains on the ASHP drug shortage list. Other generic manufacturers — Lupin, Aurobindo, and Sandoz — have also reported variable supply.

The shortage has been driven by manufacturing delays at key generic facilities, supply chain bottlenecks for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and recurring seasonal demand surges during respiratory illness peaks.

Prescribing Implications

The Cefdinir shortage has practical implications for clinical decision-making:

Empiric Prescribing Considerations

When selecting empiric antibiotic therapy for outpatient respiratory and skin infections, providers should consider current local availability alongside clinical guidelines. Prescribing Cefdinir without confirming pharmacy stock may result in patient callbacks, treatment delays, and additional administrative burden.

Pediatric Impact

The shortage disproportionately affects pediatric patients. The oral suspension — the primary formulation for children who cannot swallow capsules — has been the most constrained formulation. Providers treating pediatric ear infections, sinusitis, and pharyngitis should have alternative agents readily identified.

Antibiotic Stewardship

The shortage presents an opportunity to reinforce antibiotic stewardship principles. Cefdinir, as a broad-spectrum third-generation cephalosporin, is sometimes prescribed when narrower-spectrum agents would be equally effective. Consider whether first-line therapies like Amoxicillin (or Amoxicillin-Clavulanate for resistant organisms) are clinically appropriate before reaching for Cefdinir.

Current Availability Picture

Availability varies significantly by region, pharmacy type, and formulation:

• 300 mg capsules: Intermittently available; some pharmacies report adequate stock while others remain out.
• 250 mg/5 mL suspension: Most constrained formulation; back-ordered from major manufacturers.
• 125 mg/5 mL suspension: Also affected but to a lesser extent.

Independent pharmacies and those with diverse wholesale relationships tend to have better access than large chains during shortage periods. Hospital outpatient pharmacies may also have separate supply channels.

For real-time availability data to share with patients, see Medfinder for Providers.

Alternative Therapies

When Cefdinir is unavailable, the following alternatives are appropriate for most common indications:

For Acute Otitis Media

• Amoxicillin (first-line per AAP/AAFP guidelines): 80–90 mg/kg/day divided BID
• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (for treatment failure or resistant organisms): 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component
• Cefuroxime axetil: 30 mg/kg/day divided BID
• Cefpodoxime: 10 mg/kg/day divided BID

For Acute Sinusitis

• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (preferred first-line per IDSA)
• Cefpodoxime or Cefuroxime as second-line options

For Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis (Group A Strep)

• Penicillin V or Amoxicillin (first-line per AHA/IDSA)
• Cephalexin: 20 mg/kg/dose BID (max 500 mg/dose) — for patients with non-severe penicillin allergy
• Azithromycin — only when beta-lactams cannot be used (rising resistance concerns)

For Community-Acquired Pneumonia

• Amoxicillin (first-line for outpatient CAP per ATS/IDSA)
• Cefpodoxime or Cefuroxime as alternatives

For Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

• Cephalexin (first-line for uncomplicated cellulitis/impetigo)
• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate for bite wounds

Cost and Access Considerations

Cost can be a barrier to treatment adherence, and the shortage may push patients toward more expensive alternatives. Key pricing data:

• Cefdinir 300 mg capsules (20 ct): ~$114 retail; as low as ~$16 with discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Amoxicillin 500 mg (30 ct): Often under $10
• Cephalexin 500 mg (28 ct): Typically $10–$30 with coupons
• Cefuroxime 500 mg (20 ct): ~$15–$40 with coupons

Most alternative antibiotics are less expensive than Cefdinir and more widely available. No manufacturer savings programs exist for Cefdinir (brand Omnicef is discontinued; generic only). Patient assistance through NeedyMeds and RxAssist may help uninsured patients.

For patient-facing cost information, direct patients to: How to Save Money on Cefdinir in 2026.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Several resources can help streamline your workflow during the shortage:

• Medfinder for Providers: Share with patients so they can find pharmacies with Cefdinir (or alternatives) in stock, reducing callback volume.
• ASHP Drug Shortage Resource Center: For the latest manufacturer-specific updates and estimated resupply dates.
• Pre-built alternative order sets: Consider creating EHR templates with Cefdinir alternatives pre-populated for common indications to reduce prescribing friction.

You can also direct patients to these resources:

• How to Find Cefdinir in Stock Near You
• Alternatives to Cefdinir If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Looking Ahead

The Cefdinir shortage is expected to continue through at least the first half of 2026, though manufacturer estimates have been unreliable. As respiratory illness season wanes in spring, demand should ease somewhat, but structural supply chain issues may persist.

Providers are encouraged to:

1. Consider Cefdinir alternatives before prescribing when clinically appropriate
2. Verify pharmacy stock before sending prescriptions for shortage-affected drugs
3. Use tools like Medfinder for Providers to reduce patient friction
4. Reinforce antibiotic stewardship — reserve broad-spectrum agents for cases that truly require them

Final Thoughts

Drug shortages are an increasingly common challenge in outpatient practice. By staying informed, maintaining a current list of alternatives, and leveraging availability tools, providers can minimize the impact on patient care and workflow efficiency.

For a patient-facing version of this update, share: Cefdinir Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.