Cefdinir Interactions: Compatibility with Various Medicines, Alcohol, and Other Substances
Don't let good bacteria get in the way of your treatment! Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to cefdinir and its interactions with other substances.
Cefdinir, a generic medicine used to treat various bacterial infections, has a mind of its own when it comes to interacting with other drugs and supplements. Although it may coexist peacefully with many substances, there are a few exceptions you should be aware of.
Does cefdinir play well with others?
Cefdinir's interactions are quite selective. Some substances it gets along with quite well, while others can cause some unexpected conflicts. To avoid any unwanted consequences, make sure to share a complete list of all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider.
Strep throat, pneumonia, and ear infections--oh my! Cefdinir is effective against a variety of bacterial infections. However, it only comes in oral capsules and liquid suspension form, and it's crucial to consider its interactions with these specific forms.
certain antacids
Cefdinir may not welcome certain members of the antacid family. If you are taking aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon), aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), or calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids), your antacid could make cefdinir less effective by attaching to it and preventing proper absorption. Take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your antacid to minimize this risk.
• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon)• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)• calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)
Loop diuretics are prescription medications used to manage blood pressure and heart conditions. When taken with cefdinir, loop diuretics can increase the risk of kidney damage. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are taking torsemide (Soaanz), bumetanide (Bumex), or furosemide (Lasix) to avoid this unintended outcome.
can make cefdinir less effective
While birth control pills may be your reliable partner in prevention, cefdinir could potentially disrupt their effectiveness by breaking down the birth control drug quicker than intended. Brands such as ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others), desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others), and ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others) could all be impacted. If you are taking birth control pills, discuss with your healthcare provider whether cefdinir is a suitable treatment for you or whether a backup method like a diaphragm or condom should be considered.
It's essential to remember that these interactions may not represent a complete list, and additional interactions could still occur. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
loop diuretics
Steer clear or keep your distance? The decision is yours.
• torsemide (Soaanz)• bumetanide (Bumex)• furosemide (Lasix)
In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your healthcare provider from prescribing cefdinir due to the risk of harm. If you've had an allergic reaction to cefdinir, cephalosporins, or any of its ingredients, taking cefdinir could trigger another allergic reaction. It's important to ensure your healthcare provider is aware of these contraindications before prescribing cefdinir.
can increase the risk of kidney damage
There are no known interactions between cefdinir and alcohol, but drinking alcohol may worsen some of cefdinir's side effects such as diarrhea or headache. If you drink alcohol, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding or limiting it during cefdinir treatment.
Cannabis or CBD hasn't been specifically reported to interact with cefdinir, but it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using cannabis or CBD products while taking cefdinir to ensure proper treatment adherence and manage any potential health implications.
birth control pills
A love affair hidden in the details
• ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others)• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others)• ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others)
For a deeper look at certain drug interactions with cefdinir, check out this section.
can make birth control pills less effective
Certain antacids
Antacids are used to ease symptoms of conditions such as heartburn and indigestion. Taking cefdinir with certain antacids could make cefdinir less effective by causing minerals like magnesium or aluminum to attach to cefdinir, preventing proper absorption. Antacids that may interact with cefdinir include aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon), aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids).
probenecid
To remedy this interaction, take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your antacid. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.
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Loop diuretics
can increase the risk of side effects from cefdinir
Loop diuretics are prescription medications used to manage blood pressure and certain heart conditions. Taking cefdinir with a loop diuretic may increase the risk of kidney damage, although it is a rare side effect of cefdinir. Some loop diuretics that may interact with cefdinir include torsemide (Soaanz), bumetanide (Bumex), and furosemide (Lasix).
Your healthcare provider will assess your kidney function and advise you on what to do if kidney damage occurs.
lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenal)
Birth control pills
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Taking cefdinir with birth control pills could make the birth control less effective by causing the body to break down the birth control drug quicker than expected. Brands such as ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others), desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others), and ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others) could be affected.
can make cefdinir less effective
If you're taking birth control pills, discuss with your healthcare provider whether it's safe for you to take these medications together and whether a backup method like a diaphragm or condom should be considered.
Cefdinir and other interactions
warfarin (Jantoven)
Cefdinir may have other interactions, such as with supplements, herbs, foods, vaccines, or lab tests.
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Cefdinir interactions with supplements
can increase the risk of bleeding
Cefdinir may interact with certain minerals like magnesium and iron, which could affect cefdinir's effectiveness. If you are taking a magnesium or iron supplement, talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after your supplement to minimize the risk of interaction.
Cefdinir interactions with herbs
Although there aren't specific reports of herbs interacting with cefdinir, it's important to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any herbal products when taking cefdinir.
Cefdinir interactions with vitamins or minerals
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with cefdinir. However, cefdinir may interact with the minerals iron, magnesium, and aluminum. If you are taking a multivitamin with high amounts of these minerals, talk to your healthcare provider about whether it's the best option for you.
Food
Although iron supplements may interact with cefdinir, there haven't been specific reports of food interactions with the drug. Consult your healthcare provider to determine whether the amount of iron in iron-rich foods could impact cefdinir.
Cefdinir and vaccines
There are no known interactions between cefdinir and vaccines.
Cefdinir interactions with lab tests
Cefdinir may interact with certain urine glucose tests, causing the test results to indicate that glucose is present in your urine even if it isn't. Notify your healthcare provider if you receive a urine glucose test while taking cefdinir. They may give you a different type of test that the drug doesn't affect.
Cefdinir and cannabis or CBD
There haven't been specific reports of interactions between cefdinir and cannabis or CBD. However, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using cannabis or CBD products with cefdinir to ensure proper treatment adherence and manage any potential health implications.
Cefdinir and health-related interactions
Certain health conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with cefdinir:
- colitis
- kidney problems or hemodialysis
- allergic reactions
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
Always discuss your health history with your healthcare provider before starting cefdinir treatment.
Got questions? Let's chat
Here are some frequently asked questions about cefdinir and possible interactions:
Should I avoid dairy products with cefdinir?
Not usually. There is no known interaction between cefdinir and dairy products. You may need to avoid dairy when taking certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), but cefdinir is not typically affected by dairy.
Can cefdinir and ibuprofen be taken together?
Yes, you can take cefdinir and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) together if your healthcare provider recommends it. There are no reports of cefdinir interacting with ibuprofen.
Be proactive to stay safe
To prevent interactions with cefdinir, consult your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting treatment. Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis, and share a complete list of all medications, supplements, herbs, and vitamins you are taking. Reading the cefdinir label and patient instructions can also help you stay informed. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice and how to stay on top of your treatment.
Here are three sentences containing the given words:
- To ensure proper absorption, avoid taking certain antacids like aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon), aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids) during your cefdinir treatment.
- Pregnant individuals should be mindful of interactions between cefdinir and birth control pills, as cefdinir may make the birth control less effective, potentially impacting brands such as ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others), desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others), and ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others).
- Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using any herbal products or cannabis/CBD products as interactions between these substances and cefdinir have not been specifically reported.
