No Significant Interactions Between Cefdinir and DayQuil (Acetaminophen)
There are no significant drug interactions between cefdinir and DayQuil (which contains acetaminophen) that would affect safety or efficacy of either medication.
Understanding Cefdinir
- Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory infections and skin infections 1
- It has good activity against common respiratory pathogens including Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae 2
- Cefdinir is primarily eliminated through renal excretion, which is important when considering potential drug interactions 1
Understanding DayQuil Components
- DayQuil's primary active ingredient is acetaminophen, which is used for pain relief and fever reduction 3
- DayQuil may also contain other ingredients such as dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and phenylephrine (decongestant) depending on the formulation 3
Interaction Analysis
- No significant drug-drug interactions have been documented between cefdinir and acetaminophen (the main ingredient in DayQuil) 2, 4
- Unlike some medications, cefdinir is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which reduces the risk of interactions with many medications 2
- The primary known interaction with cefdinir involves iron-containing products, not acetaminophen or other DayQuil components 5
Special Considerations
- Cefdinir can form a non-absorbable complex with iron-containing products (such as iron supplements or iron-fortified formulas), which may cause reddish stools but is not harmful 5
- This iron interaction does not apply to DayQuil, as it does not contain iron 3
- Cefdinir is generally well-tolerated with diarrhea being the most common side effect 2
Clinical Recommendations
- Both medications can be safely taken together when treating concurrent conditions (e.g., bacterial infection requiring cefdinir and cold symptoms requiring DayQuil) 2, 4
- No dosage adjustments are needed when using these medications together 2
- Monitor for the usual side effects of each medication independently (e.g., diarrhea with cefdinir) 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse cefdinir with other antibiotics that may have significant interactions with acetaminophen 1
- Avoid excessive acetaminophen intake from multiple sources (DayQuil plus other acetaminophen-containing products), as total daily acetaminophen should not exceed 4 grams per day 6
- Be aware that while there's no interaction between cefdinir and DayQuil, patients should still be informed about the common side effects of each medication 2, 4