Cefdinir is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections like bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs), bacterial pneumonia, a few respiratory tract infections, otitis media, cellulitis, and infections of the sinuses, throat, skin, ears and tonsils. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin-antibiotic of the third-generation. Cefdinir’s primary function is to kill bacteria. Cefdinir is also an alternative antibiotic for patients suffering from severe penicillin allergy. But is cefdinir a penicillin?
Penicillin forms a part of a broader group of widely-used antibiotics; a class called β-lactam. Core function of Penicillin is to disrupt the bacterial cell-walls. Through this action, penicillin inhibits bacteria from reproducing repeatedly and thus causing infections. Penicillin is quite effective against several bacterial infections like pneumonia, strep throat, syphilis – to name some.
On the other hand, Cefdinir has a mechanism similar to beta-lactam antibiotics. Bactericidal capabilities of cefdinir binds to Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), by inhibiting cell-wall synthesis.
Of the many ailments this med treats, GABHS tonsillopharyngitis in children responds well to cefdinir. Cefdinir is well-tolerated while managing GABHS tonsillopharyngitis. Cefdinir is also efficient in treating the following infections caused by bacterial strands -
- Lung infections, such as pneumonia
- Ear and sinus infections
- Bronchitis
- Throat or tonsil infections
- Skin or related tissue infections
Penicillin and cefdinir both are critical antimicrobial agents. Healthcare providers prescribe penicillin for the treatment of certain types of infections like ear, strep throat, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). In addition, penicillin is available in several formulations.
Penicillin too possesses a significant Post Antibiotic Effect (PAE). This is a scenario where bacteria cannot stay alive even after the drug levels decline against S. pyogenes. Healthcare providers consider penicillin as the drug of choice for syphilis (Treponema pallidum) treatment. They give this when very low penicillin MICs is maintained.
Penicillin is an effective antibiotic is very useful in treating the following medical conditions:
- Endocarditis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
But is cefdinir a penicillin?
Cefdinir - a cephalosporin antibiotic that efficiently treats bacterial infections, similar to penicillin. Cefdinir has the same effect as penicillin when treating a particular disease. Both cefdinir and penicillin are available as prescription drugs. Both these antibiotics treat children as well as adults.
Cefdinir may cause a few allergic reactions. You should stop taking cefdinir if you encounter any serious allergic reactions like a rash. Seizures are a major concern as a side effect upon taking cefdinir. Few people who took cefdinir has reported this condition. A liver or kidney damage – hepatotoxicity can also occur due to intake of cefdinir.
If you encounter any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider or visit the nearby emergency medical center without much delay. You should not ignore any of these symptoms as they may even result in death.
On the contrary, penicillin’s side effects are mostly dose dependent. Penicillin has certain adverse reactions. If you experience any side effects from using penicillin, it may be due to an extremely high dosing of the antibiotic med.
Precautions to follow for safe use of cefdinir
Some safety measures need to be a consideration before you begin using cefdinir. Firstly, you need to inform your physician / pharmacist if you are already on any prescription meds, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In addition, informing your physician that you are on other drugs, it helps them understand your health and enables them to suggest you the exact dosage you require. This will prevent possible drug interactions.
If you have already had an allergic reaction to cefdinir or to any of cefdinir’s ingredients, your physician will likely not prescribe side effort cefdinir for you. This is because cefdinir could cause additional allergic reaction.
Moreover, birth control pills are known to interact adversely with cefdinir. You need to consult with your physician if you need additional clarifications on cefdinir – if you are taking such contraceptives to avoid turning pregnant.
Adverse drug interactions with cefdinir
Research reveals cefdinir may interacts with a range of ~ 63 drugs. Of these adverse interactions with other meds with cefdinir, 57 interactions are considered moderate while six (6) may trigger major interactions.
Cefdinir is also known to interact with other medications and a few supplements. For instance, drugs such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as well as warfarin may not go well with cefdinir; this is mainly because of its adverse interactions with such meds. In addition, cefdinir may interact in an adverse way with supplements of minerals like iron, magnesium, etc.
Not much research is available on interactions of cefdinir with vitamins, herbal meds or other types of food products. However, these may change, as various research findings are still ongoing regarding cefdinir’s interactions in general.
Interactions of cefdinir with other health conditions
While on treatment for renal conditions disorder or if you are taking hemodialysis sittings, you need to avoid using antibiotics like cefdinir. Renal problems can increase cefdinir levels in your system; this can cause toxicity within. This eventually triggers side effects like nausea, giddiness, shorter breathing cycles, etc. In such cases, your physician likely starts cefdinir at lower dosage levels.
In the same light, dialysis sittings – soon after use of cefdinir can lower drug levels in your body. This can make cefdinir lose its antibacterial capabilities and impairing treatment plans. You are advised to use this med after completing each of your hemodialysis sitting.
Those who are living with colitis i.e., inflammation of the large intestine - you need to refrain from using cefdinir. Intake of cefdinir while living with colitis can worsen your medical condition(s). You need to consult with your treating doctor of the use of cefdinir and how safe it is for you.
Women who are already pregnant or aiming to turn pregnant must talk with caregiving team(s) prior to use of cefdinir. Chief ingredients of cefdinir are unlikely to pass through mother’s milk; breastfeeding women may however need to stay wary and discuss with your physician of using cefdinir while nursing your infant.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.