What side effects does cefdinir commonly cause?
Cefdinir (an oral cephalosporin antibiotic) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms most often. Commonly reported side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache.[1] Some people also develop a skin rash.[1]
What are the more serious cefdinir side effects to watch for?
Stop the medicine and seek urgent care if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, facial/lip/tongue swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.[1] Get medical attention promptly for symptoms that could signal a serious skin reaction (for example, blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth/eyes) or severe, persistent diarrhea.[1]
Can cefdinir cause diarrhea or C. diff?
Yes. Like many antibiotics, cefdinir can cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can lead to antibiotic-associated colitis due to C. difficile. Contact a clinician urgently if diarrhea is severe, watery, bloody, or lasts more than a day or two, or if it comes with fever or significant abdominal pain.[1]
What does “cefdinir rash” look like?
A rash can occur with cefdinir.[1] If the rash is mild, it may improve after you talk with the prescriber about whether to continue. If you have hives, swelling, breathing trouble, or rapidly worsening rash, that can indicate an allergy and should be treated as urgent.[1]
Can cefdinir change stool color (red/black) and confuse people?
Some patients notice dark or reddish stool while taking cefdinir, which can be related to drug–iron interactions (especially if iron supplements are involved). If stool color changes are accompanied by severe diarrhea, blood, or severe pain, contact a clinician rather than assuming it is harmless.[1]
Who is at higher risk for side effects?
Risk can be higher in people with a history of medication allergies (especially to cephalosporins/penicillins), older adults, and anyone prone to antibiotic-associated diarrhea or C. difficile.[1] Children and people with kidney problems may also be more vulnerable to side effects and might need dose adjustments.[1]
What should you do if you get side effects?
If side effects are mild (for example, mild nausea or loose stools), call your prescriber for guidance and don’t stop antibiotics on your own unless you were advised to. If you have signs of allergy, severe diarrhea, or concerning skin reactions, get urgent medical help.[1]
When to call a doctor right away
Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, facial/lip/tongue swelling, widespread hives, severe rash with blistering/peeling, or severe/persistent diarrhea, especially if there is blood or fever.[1]
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/cefdinir-side-effects.html