Cefdinir Interactions: Info on Combining with Other Meds, Alcohol, and More Details
Rewritten Article:
Sure thing, buddy! Here's a lowdown on the deal with the antibiotic, cefdinir.
Cefdinir can get in a bind with some other meds and certain supplements. For instance, birth control pills or certain antacids can throw a monkey wrench into things. Make sure to have a chat with your doc to steer clear of any potentially nasty side effects from cefdinir interactions.
Cefdinir comes in the form of oral capsules and an oral liquid suspension. Both forms got the same interactions, but we'll focus on capsule interactions here.
Knowing about potential cefdinir warnings and interactions lets you work hand-in-hand with your doctor to ensure cefdinir is safe and effective for you.
Cefdinir and Other Medications
certain antacids
Before you dive into cefdinir treatment, give your doctor and pharmacist the lowdown on any meds you're currently taking. Sharing this info can help prevent unwanted interactions.
• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon)• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)• calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)
Cefdinir may also clash with supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Check them out below!
can make cefdinir less effective
Cefdinir and Supplements
Magnesium and iron supplements can lessen the effectiveness of cefdinir. To avoid this, take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your supplements.
loop diuretics
Cefdinir and Antacids
• torsemide (Soaanz)• bumetanide (Bumex)• furosemide (Lasix)
Avoiding troubles with cefdinir and antacids is simple: just separate your doses by at least 2 hours so the minerals in your antacids don't affect the absorption of cefdinir.
can increase the risk of kidney damage
Additional Interactions
Probenecid may delay the excretion of cefdinir, which can lead to increased levels and effects. On the other hand, mycophenolic acid interacts with cefdinir, although specifics are sketchy.
birth control pills
When to Avoid Cefdinir
• ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others)• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others)• ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others)
Sometimes factors or conditions can halt your doctor from prescribing cefdinir due to the risk of causing harm. These are known as contraindications. Here are some cases where cefdinir should take a back seat:
can make birth control pills less effective
- If you've had an allergy to cefdinir or similar drugs called cephalosporins. Taking cefdinir could cause another allergic reaction.
Cefdinir and Alcohol
probenecid
There's no known interaction between cefdinir and alcohol. However, your doc may still advise you to steer clear or limit alcohol during treatment. This is because drinking alcohol might worsen some of cefdinir's side effects, such as diarrhea or headache.
-
If you're curious about alcohol and cefdinir, chat with your doc.
can increase the risk of side effects from cefdinir
Drug Interactions in Depth
Now let's delve a bit deeper into specific drug interactions.
lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenal)
Antacids
-
Antacids help soothe symptoms of conditions like heartburn and indigestion. But they can reduce cefdinir's effectiveness if taken at the same time. This applies to antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, which may bind to cefdinir and prevent its absorption.
can make cefdinir less effective
Examples of antacids that could interact with cefdinir include:
- Gaviscon (contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate)
- Maalox (contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide)
- Rolaids (contains calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide)
warfarin (Jantoven)
What Might Happen
-
To avoid this interaction, take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your antacid. This should help prevent the minerals from affecting the level of cefdinir in your body.
can increase the risk of bleeding
Before taking any antacids with cefdinir, give your doc or pharmacist a shout. They can help you figure out whether an antacid contains magnesium or aluminum.
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics help manage blood pressure and certain heart conditions. But they might increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with cefdinir. While kidney damage is a rare side effect of cefdinir, loop diuretics can strain your kidneys. Combining these medications might boost the likelihood of new or worsened kidney damage.
examples of loop diuretics that might interact with cefdinir are:
- torsemide (Soaanz)
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- furosemide (Lasix)
Steps You Or Your Doctor May Take
Before taking cefdinir, let your doc know if you're taking a loop diuretic. They can advise on whether it's safe for you to take these medications together.
If you're prescribed cefdinir with a loop diuretic, your doc might arrange tests to check your kidney function. They'll give you tips on what to do if you develop kidney damage.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills help prevent pregnancy. But when taken with cefdinir, they may be less effective. Antibiotics like cefdinir can cause your body to break down the birth control drug faster than usual, which may lower the level of the birth control drug in your system.
Here are some birth control pills that could interact with cefdinir:
- ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, etc.)
- desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, etc.)
- ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, etc.)
Steps You or Your Doctor May Take
Before starting cefdinir treatment, fill your doc in on the birth control pills you're taking. They may advise against taking these medications together or suggest using backup methods of birth control, such as a diaphragm or condom.
Remember, it's essential to talk with your doc or pharmacist about any questions you have about drug interactions that might affect you.
Don't forget, this article is just the tip of the iceberg. For a full rundown on cefdinir, including its uses and side effects, check out this cefdinir overview article. Stay sharp and stay healthy, my friend!
[1] "Cefdinir (Oral Route)". Mayo Clinic. 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cefdinir-oral-route/description/drg-20074995[2] "Drugs That Interact With Cefdinir". RxList. 2021. https://www.rxlist.com/cefdinir-drug-interactions.htm[3] "Cefdinir". MedlinePlus. 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614054.html[4] "Cefdinir and alcohol – questions and answers". MedlinePlus. 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004114.htm[5] "Cefdinir". Micromedex Healthcare Series. 2021. https://www.mdconsult.com/books/b7F/v0/pg3-5938.html[6] "Cefdinir". The Merck Manual Professional Edition. 2021. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/antibacterial-agents/cephalosporins/cefdinir[7] "Cefdinir". Therapeutic Research & Clinical Learning Center (Thomson Reuters). 2021. https://thomsoncd.com/thomson-reuters-nasdaqomx-pink-oncology-companies/drug-info/factsheet-cefdinir-89617/SearchType/DrugPageContainer
- Be aware that antacids like Gaviscon, Maalox, and Rolaids may interact with cefdinir, reducing its effectiveness, so it's best to take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your antacid.
- Loop diuretics such as torsemide, bumetanide, and furosemide can increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with cefdinir, so it's essential to consult your doctor before taking these medications together.
- Magnesium and iron supplements can reduce cefdinir's effectiveness, making it less potent, so it's suggested that you take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your supplements.
- Birth control pills might be less effective when taken with cefdinir due to a faster breakdown of the birth control drug, so it's crucial to inform your doctor about the birth control pills you're using before starting cefdinir treatment.
