What Is Cefdinir Used for?

What is cefdinir used for? This prescription antibiotic is used to treat common bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, middle ear infection, and sinus infection. It may also be substituted in place of penicillin to treat infections in people who are allergic to that particular drug. Cefdinir is used for both adults and children 6 months of age or older.

Cefdinir Capsules

What Is Cefdinir Used For? -- An Overview

Cefdinir (Omnicef^®) is a prescription antibiotic used for treating a number of infections caused by bacteria in both children and adults.

Cefdinir is most commonly used to treat the following infections:

Bronchitis
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Sinus infection (sinusitis)
Pneumonia
Skin infection (cellulitis)
Tonsillitis
Throat infection (strep throat).

Cefdinir may be used to treat other bacterial infections not included in this list. It also may be substituted in place of penicillin to treat common infections in people who are allergic to that particular drug. It should be noted, however, that there is a small chance that people who are allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to cefdinir or other cephalosporins.

Cefdinir is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.

Is Cefdinir Used for Children?

Cefdinir is approved for use in children 6 months of age and older. In children, cefdinir is used to treat the same infections as those in adults.

Is Cefdinir Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend cefdinir for treating something other than the conditions listed in this article. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally recognized off-label uses for cefdinir.