Perhaps you or your baby has a fever, cough, or other infection and you have been given a liquid medicine (suspension) called Cefdinir. What is it exactly? How is it used? Let's find out exactly what it is. It is very important to be aware of this medicine.
What kind of medicine is this Cefdinir?
Simply put, Cefdinir is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Doctors prescribe this medicine for many bacterial infections, including throat infections, lung infections, and skin infections.
The most important thing is that this medicine will not cure viral illnesses like colds and the flu, because it is only designed to kill bacteria.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Cefdinir, it is important to have a complete history of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Allergies to other medications | It is important to mention any previous allergies, especially to Cefdinir, Penicillin, or other Cephalosporin antibiotics. |
| Kidney disease | If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the doctor may have to change the dosage of the medication. |
| Stomach/intestinal problems | If you have had any previous inflammatory bowel conditions, such as colitis, please let us know. |
| Diabetes | This suspension may contain sugar. Also, this medicine may change the results of a urine sugar test. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is imperative to inform your doctor before taking any medication. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, you need to use it properly.
- Shake well: You should shake the bottle well before using it, as the medicine powder may settle at the bottom of the bottle.
- Correct measurement: Use only the special spoon, cup, or oral syringe that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they are not accurate.
- Before or after meals: You can take this before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Take the full course: This is the most important thing. You should take this medicine for the full number of days your doctor prescribes. Even if you feel better, don't stop taking it. If you do, the bacteria that caused the infection may not be completely killed, and the infection may return and get worse.
- If you are taking other medications: If you are taking iron pills or antacids (medicines for heartburn) that contain aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as Cefdinir. It is best to take these medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Cefdinir.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- If you overdose: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the things to be careful about when taking medication?
When using the medicine, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body.
- If symptoms do not improve: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of starting the medication, or if they worsen, tell your doctor.
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics. However, do not take over-the-counter medications immediately after experiencing diarrhea. If diarrhea lasts for more than two days, becomes watery, or is accompanied by a fever, be sure to inform your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: This is very rare, but it is important to be aware of them. Serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you have a fever, body aches, red or purple spots on your skin that later blister and start peeling, or if you have swelling of your face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, seek medical advice immediately.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Cefdinir can cause some side effects. Although most of these are minor, there are some things to be aware of.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Skin peeling | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Vaginal problems | Women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or a foul odor. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mild diarrhea | A little bit of flatulence. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Nausea | A feeling of nausea or vomiting. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature. Keep away from extreme heat or cold.
- Most importantly: Once the medicine is reconstituted at the pharmacy, it should be used within 10 days. After 10 days, throw away any medicine left in the bottle, even if it is still in the bottle.
Take-Home Message
- Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections like the common cold.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, especially allergies and kidney disease, before taking the medication.
- Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- If you experience severe diarrhea, skin blisters, or bruising, seek medical advice immediately.
- Throw away any leftover medicine 10 days after you get it from the pharmacy.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor.
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