Cefdinir Compatibilities: Details on Other Drugs, Alcohol, and More
Freshened Perspective:
Get the scoop on cefdinir - a generic antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections. This badass drug slayer takes down middle ear infections, strep throat, and pneumonia with ease. But before you pop those pills, there are a few things you should know.
Cefdinir plays well with others, but it's got some picky friends. It ain't cool with certain antacids, loop diuretics, and even birth control pills - watch out for those interactions! Probenecid, lanthanum carbonate, and warfarin are also on its naughty list. So, chat with your doctor before you get started to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Cefdinir comes in two forms: oral capsules and an oral liquid suspension, but they both have the same interactions. This article focuses on oral capsules.
By understanding cefdinir's warnings and interactions, you can work with your doctor to ensure this little powerhouse works its magic for you safely and effectively.
Cefdinir's Troublemakers: Other Drugs
Before starting treatment with cefdinir, spill the beans to your doctor and pharmacist about any medicines you're taking - prescription, over-the-counter, and otherwise. This way, you can help them avoid any potential party fouls.
Wanna know if cefdinir interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins? Check out the "More on Cefdinir Interactions" section for the scopolamine on those interactions.
Got questions about drug interactions that may affect you? Ask your doctor or pharmacist, and they'll set you straight.
Here's a table of drugs that can get into a tussle with cefdinir. Remember, this isn't an exhaustive list.
| Drug Class or Drug Name | Drug Examples | Interaction Result with Cefdinir || --- | --- | --- || Certain Antacids | Gaviscon, Maalox, Rolaids | Can make cefdinir less effective || Loop Diuretics | Torsemide, Bumetanide, Furosemide | Can increase the risk of kidney damage || Birth Control Pills | Seasonale, Seasonique, Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel, Cyclessa, Kariva, Aurovela, Gildess, others | Can make birth control pills less effective || Probenecid | - | Can increase the risk of side effects from cefdinir || Lanthanum Carbonate | - | Can make cefdinir less effective || Warfarin | Jantoven | Can increase the risk of bleeding |
certain antacids
When to Steer Clear of Cefdinir
In certain cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing cefdinir due to the risk of harm. Here are the contraindications of cefdinir to look out for.
• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon)• aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)• calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)
Pro Tip: Before starting cefdinir treatment, it's important to let your doctor know if any of these contraindications apply to you. They can decide whether cefdinir is the right medicine for you.
Suffered an Allergic Reaction
can make cefdinir less effective
If you've had an allergic reaction to cefdinir, any of its ingredients, or similar drugs called cephalosporins, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe cefdinir for you. Taking cefdinir could trigger another allergic reaction. Ask your doctor about other treatment options that could work better for you.
Cefdinir, Booze, and You
There are no known interactions between cefdinir and alcohol. However, if you like to drink, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit it during cefdinir treatment. This is because imbibing while on cefdinir may worsen some side effects, such as diarrhea or headache.
If you have questions about drinking alcohol while on cefdinir, chat with your doctor.
loop diuretics
Going Deeper: Drug Interactions in Depth
Here's a closer look at certain drug interactions involving cefdinir.
• torsemide (Soaanz)• bumetanide (Bumex)• furosemide (Lasix)
Certain Antacids
Antacids are used to ease symptoms of conditions like heartburn and indigestion. Taking cefdinir with certain antacids could make cefdinir less effective. Watch out for antacids containing magnesium or aluminum. These minerals can grip onto cefdinir, preventing your body from absorbing the drug, and reducing its effectiveness.
can increase the risk of kidney damage
Steps You or Your Doctor May Take
To prevent this interaction, take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after taking an antacid containing magnesium or aluminum. This should help keep those minerals from meddling with cefdinir's effectiveness.
Before taking any antacids with cefdinir, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you identify which antacids contain magnesium or aluminum.
For more information on cefdinir and antacids, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
birth control pills
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are prescribed to manage blood pressure and certain heart conditions. Taking cefdinir with loop diuretics may boost the risk of kidney damage, although kidney damage is a rare side effect of cefdinir in the first place.
• ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Seasonale, Seasonique, others)• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cyclessa, Kariva, others)• ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Aurovela, Gildess, others)
Here are some loop diuretics that may mix poorly with cefdinir:
- Torsemide (Soaanz)
- Bumetanide (Bumex)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
can make birth control pills less effective
Steps You or Your Doctor May Take
If your doctor prescribes cefdinir with loop diuretics, they may order tests to check your kidney function. They'll also advise you on what to do if you experience kidney damage.
To learn more about cefdinir and loop diuretics, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Birth Control Pills
probenecid
Birth control pills are prescribed to prevent pregnancy. Taking cefdinir with birth control pills could reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pills. This is because antibiotics, such as cefdinir, can cause your body to break down the birth control drug more quickly, lowering its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
Here are some birth control pills that may interact with cefdinir:
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- Seasonale, Seasonique, Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel, Cyclessa, Kariva, Aurovela, Gildess, and others
Steps You or Your Doctor May Take
can increase the risk of side effects from cefdinir
Before starting cefdinir treatment, tell your doctor if you're taking birth control pills. They can recommend whether it's safe for you to take cefdinir along with birth control pills.
If your doctor prescribes cefdinir while you're taking birth control pills, they may suggest using backup methods of birth control, like a diaphragm or condom.
For more information on cefdinir and birth control pills, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cefdinir and Other Interactions
lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenal)
Cefdinir may interact with supplements, foods, vaccines, or lab tests.
Cefdinir's Squabbles with Supplements
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Cefdinir may interact with magnesium supplements and iron supplements. Taking cefdinir with these supplements could make cefdinir less effective.
Due to this risk, your doctor may advise you to take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after taking a magnesium or iron supplement. This should help keep those supplements from interfering with cefdinir's effectiveness.
can make cefdinir less effective
Before you begin cefdinir treatment, share this information with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. This info may help them avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that could affect you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cefdinir's Hang-ups with Herbs
There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with cefdinir. However, this doesn't mean herbal interactions won't happen or be identified in the future. Because of this, it's essential to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal products during cefdinir treatment.
warfarin (Jantoven)
Cefdinir's Scuffles with Vitamins or Minerals
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with cefdinir.
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However, cefdinir may interact with iron, magnesium, and aluminum. Taking cefdinir with these minerals could make cefdinir less effective.
Due to this risk, your doctor may advise you to take cefdinir at least 2 hours before or after taking iron, magnesium, or aluminum. This should help keep those minerals from affecting cefdinir's effectiveness.
can increase the risk of bleeding
It's important to remember that some multivitamins may also contain minerals, including iron, magnesium, and aluminum. Talk to your doctor to determine which multivitamin is best for you.
Cefdinir and Food
While iron supplements may interact with cefdinir, there were no specific reports of food interactions with the drug. Your doctor can recommend whether the amount of iron in iron-rich foods, such as dark chocolate, could be high enough to interfere with cefdinir.
If you're curious about foods to avoid while taking cefdinir, chat with your doctor.
Cefdinir and Vaccines
There aren't any known interactions between cefdinir and vaccines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you're up-to-date on your vaccinations.
Cefdinir and Lab Tests
Cefdinir may interact with certain urine glucose tests, which measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your urine. If you receive these tests while taking cefdinir, the results may show that glucose is present in your urine even though it may not be there in reality.
Before having a urine glucose test, tell your doctor if you're taking cefdinir. They may offer you a different type of glucose test that cefdinir does not affect.
CEFDINIR AND CANNABIS OR CBD
Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, like CBD, haven't been specifically reported to interact with cefdinir. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in conjunction with cefdinir. The effect of cannabis may affect your adherence to the cefdinir treatment plan.
Note: Cannabis is federally illegal but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Cefdinir and Health-Related Interactions
Certain medical conditions and other factors may boost the risk of interactions with cefdinir. Talk to your doctor about your medical history before taking cefdinir. Cefdinir may not be the ideal treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factor affecting your health.
Conditions or factors that might interact with cefdinir include:
- Colitis: Before taking cefdinir, make sure to tell your doctor if you've ever had colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Taking cefdinir could exacerbate colitis symptoms. Your doctor can decide whether cefdinir is a safe treatment option for you.
- Kidney Problems or Hemodialysis: Before starting cefdinir treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney issues or are receiving hemodialysis. They may adjust your cefdinir dosage to reduce your risk of side effects and help the drug work effectively. Your doctor can give you more details about taking cefdinir while you have kidney problems or are receiving hemodialysis.
- Allergic Reaction: Your doctor is unlikely to prescribe cefdinir if you've had an allergic reaction to cefdinir, any of its ingredients, or similar drugs called cephalosporins. Taking cefdinir could trigger another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about alternative treatments that might suit you better.
- Breastfeeding: Cefdinir is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug isn't known to pass into breast milk. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, chat with your doctor before taking cefdinir. They can help you figure out the best treatment plan for your situation.
- Pregnancy: There haven't been enough clinical trials to determine whether cefdinir is safe to use while pregnant. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before you start cefdinir. They can suggest the right treatment approach for your situation.
- Disclose all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to your doctor and pharmacist before starting treatment with cefdinir to avoid potential drug interactions.
- Remember that cefdinir's interactions with certain antacids, loop diuretics, birth control pills, probenecid, lanthanum carbonate, and warfarin can affect the drug's efficacy or lead to unwanted side effects.
- When taking cefdinir, avoid drinking alcohol excessively as it may exacerbate certain side effects like diarrhea or headache.
- Some medical conditions, such as colitis, kidney problems, or hemodialysis, may alter cefdinir's safety and effectiveness. Ensure you inform your doctor about your medical history before taking cefdinir.
