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Does Cefdinir Raise Blood Pressure? Understanding Cefdinir Side Effects

Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
What Are the Most Common Cefdinir Side Effects?

Cefdinir, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is a go-to treatment for various bacterial infections, including bronchitis, ear infections, and tonsillitis. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, cefdinir is generally well-tolerated, with less than 3% of patients discontinuing treatment due to adverse effects. While common side effects like nausea and diarrhea are often reported, concerns about cefdinir's impact on blood pressure are less frequent. A comprehensive review in the National Library of Medicine indicates that hypertension is not a typical reaction to cefdinir. However, if you're wondering, "Does cefdinir raise blood pressure?" it's crucial to consult healthcare professionals, as individual responses to medication can vary, and underlying conditions may influence side effects.

Some patients report frequent headaches while taking cefdinir.
Some patients report frequent headaches while taking cefdinir.

Like many drugs, some of the most common side effects involve the digestive system, because nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Some people also experience frequent headaches when taking cefdinir, and skin rashes may appear. Women taking this medication may get a yeast infection or suffer from vaginal inflammation. While these types of cefdinir side effects typically are not considered serious, they should be mentioned to a doctor, especially if they persist or seem to worsen over time.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.

There are some side effects that are less common than — and equally as mild as — digestive issues, though they should still be brought up to a doctor eventually. For example, some patients are more likely to experience constipation than diarrhea while taking cefdinir. On the other hand, some people who get diarrhea after a normal cefdinir dose find that it is bloody and, thus, a little more worrisome than usual. In addition, patients may suffer from indigestion or loss of appetite while taking this drug. While some patients are not bothered enough by these cefdinir side effects to mention them to a doctor immediately, it usually is important to do so if they continue for long, because symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, constipation and loss of appetite can all have an adverse effect on the body when left untreated.

Diarrhea and constipation are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
Diarrhea and constipation are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.

Some of the most serious cefdinir side effects are considered rather rare, but they can be quite dangerous for the patients who do experience them. For example, some people suffer from frequent or severe headaches and blurred vision, which should be reported to a doctor right away. This is because these often are symptoms of high blood pressure, which is among the most serious cefdinir side effects. Chest pain also is possible and should indicate the need for fast medical attention, because this drug can lead to failure of the heart, liver and kidney after taking a regular cefdinir dose.

Is Cefdinir a Strong Antibiotic?

The frequently reported side effects of cefdinir include blurry vision and fatigue.
The frequently reported side effects of cefdinir include blurry vision and fatigue.

Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic and is considered an extended-spectrum medication because it can treat various bacterial infections in the body. It’s not the strongest antibiotic available, but most physicians would agree that a more potent antibiotic for mild infections isn’t always the best choice. 

What Types of Bacteria Does Cefdinir Fight?

This antibiotic helps fight several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Some of the bacteria that cefdinir fights are: 

  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Moraxella catarrhalis
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Are Cefdinir and Amoxicillin the Same?

While cefdinir and amoxicillin are both antibiotics that can treat many of the same infections, they’re not the same. They belong to different drug classes. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin drug, while amoxicillin is a penicillin drug. 

Diarrhea is a common side effect of cefdinir.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of cefdinir.

There are certain infections where cefdinir might be better and other situations where amoxicillin is the more effective choice. Cefdinir is the appropriate treatment for most lung infections, while amoxicillin is ideal for treating H. pylori. Your doctor can prescribe the proper antibiotic for your specific disease. 

What Is a Typical Dose of Cefdinir?

The dosage of cefdinir a medical professional prescribes will depend on several factors. Doctors break amounts down by age. There are different doses for those 13 years of age and older and a dose for children six months to 12 years old.

Hypertension is one possible side effect of cefdinir.
Hypertension is one possible side effect of cefdinir.

For those 13 and older, a typical dose of cefdinir is 300 mg every 12 hours. You’ll usually take it in capsule form with water and something in your stomach. Taking it with a tiny bit of food can prevent an upset stomach. If you have bronchitis with a bacterial infection like strep throat or a sinus infection, the average dose is 600 mg once a day.

Doses for children six months to 12 years old will vary. They need to take seven mg per kilogram they weigh every 12 hours. Taking the medicine by mouth is the most effective method. For stronger infections like strep throat or tonsillitis, it’s 14 mg for every kilogram of weight once a day. 

How Long Does It Take for Cefdinir To Work?

Once you start taking cefdinir for your infection, you should begin to feel better after only two days. Even if your symptoms improve, you need to finish all the antibiotics your doctor prescribes. If you don’t, you could get worse. 

Cefdinir may be effective at treating bacterial tonsillitis.
Cefdinir may be effective at treating bacterial tonsillitis.

Generally, people are on cefdinir for five to 10 days. If you notice that you’re not feeling remotely better after two days, consult with your physician to make sure the medicine is working correctly. They might need to alter your antibiotic prescription if cefdinir doesn’t improve your health. 

Things To Avoid While Taking Cefdinir

As with most medications, there are certain things you’ll want to avoid or be careful to take when using cefdinir. If you’re on any vitamins or supplements that contain magnesium, aluminum, or iron, it can prevent the antibiotic from working correctly. 

You can still take them if necessary, but you shouldn’t take them two hours before or after your cefdinir dose, according to the Mayo Clinic page linked above.

Cefdinir is commonly used to treat tonsillitis and other bacterial infections.
Cefdinir is commonly used to treat tonsillitis and other bacterial infections.

Avoiding or limiting your alcohol use when taking this medication is worth noting. Alcohol can exacerbate your potential side effects. Since alcohol can cause headaches and nausea, when combined with a drug that has those listed as side effects, it can make them worse or cause the reactions. 

Not everyone will experience nausea, and when consumed safely, you can drink alcohol in moderation when on cefdinir.

Can Pregnant Women Take Cefdinir?

Side effects of cefdinir may include loss of appetite.
Side effects of cefdinir may include loss of appetite.

There isn’t much published information about how cefdinir affects pregnant women and the baby. According to the FDA, this medication is a category B drug for pregnant women, which means there’s no proof from human trials that it causes harm to the child.

Some studies show that it can cause the infant to be born with low birth weight. However, these results are from animal trials instead of human tests. 

If a pregnant woman truly needs the medication, a doctor can provide it in mild doses to ensure both her and the baby are healthy and safe. As for breastfeeding mothers, there’s no indication of the drug getting into breast milk; therefore, it can’t affect the baby.

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Our Editorial Team, made up of seasoned professionals, prioritizes accuracy and quality in every piece of content. With years of experience in journalism and publishing, we work diligently to deliver reliable and well-researched content to our readers.
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Our Editorial Team, made up of seasoned professionals, prioritizes accuracy and quality in every piece of content. With years of experience in journalism and publishing, we work diligently to deliver reliable and well-researched content to our readers.

Discussion Comments

wavy58

There are some antibiotics I just can't take because of the side effects. My stomach seems particularly sensitive to them, and I get so nauseated that I can't even eat.

I've heard that it helps to take them with food, but I can't even manage to eat enough to take the pill. I just feel green and like I'm about to vomit all the time.

Not all antibiotics do this to me, but cefdinir does. I don't know what it is about certain ones that make me so sick.

Oceana

I had some mild constipation while taking cefdinir for a sinus infection. It only lasted a couple of days, though.

When I did start having bowel movements again, they were hard and sluggish. This aggravated my hemorrhoids, so it was all very unpleasant. However, the cefdinir did get rid of my sinus infection, so it was worth the discomfort.

Kristee

@cloudel – Yes, you can eat a carton of yogurt a day. Yogurt contains bacteria that help fight yeast infections.

My doctor actually told me to go get some yogurt when she put me on antibiotics. I already had a habit of eating it, so I just made sure to eat it every day during those two weeks.

If you don't like yogurt, you can always just take acidophilus tablets instead. They have the same active cultures as yogurt, but you can swallow them whole.

cloudel

Oh, no! I'm prone to getting yeast infections, and I just started taking cefdinir yesterday. Is there anything I can do to help prevent a yeast infection while on this antibiotic?

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    • Some patients report frequent headaches while taking cefdinir.
      By: memo
      Some patients report frequent headaches while taking cefdinir.
    • Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
    • Diarrhea and constipation are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      Diarrhea and constipation are possible side effects of taking cefdinir.
    • The frequently reported side effects of cefdinir include blurry vision and fatigue.
      By: bellemedia
      The frequently reported side effects of cefdinir include blurry vision and fatigue.
    • Diarrhea is a common side effect of cefdinir.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Diarrhea is a common side effect of cefdinir.
    • Hypertension is one possible side effect of cefdinir.
      By: Monkey Business
      Hypertension is one possible side effect of cefdinir.
    • Cefdinir may be effective at treating bacterial tonsillitis.
      By: designua
      Cefdinir may be effective at treating bacterial tonsillitis.
    • Cefdinir is commonly used to treat tonsillitis and other bacterial infections.
      By: JackF
      Cefdinir is commonly used to treat tonsillitis and other bacterial infections.
    • Side effects of cefdinir may include loss of appetite.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      Side effects of cefdinir may include loss of appetite.