From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CEFDINIR CAPSULES U. S. TRIALS IN ADULT AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS (N = 3841)a Incidence ≥1% Diarrhea 15% ... ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CEFDINIR SUSPENSION U. S. TRIALS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS(N = 1783)a Incidence ≥ 1% Diarrhea 8%
Cefdinir can cause diarrhea. The incidence of diarrhea in adult and adolescent patients was 15%, and in pediatric patients, it was 8% 1 1.
From the Research
Yes, cefdinir can cause diarrhea as a side effect, as reported in the most recent study from 2023 2. Diarrhea is one of the most common adverse reactions to cefdinir, occurring in patients taking this antibiotic. Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections including bronchitis, sinusitis, and skin infections. The diarrhea associated with cefdinir typically results from disruption of the normal gut microbiome, as the antibiotic kills beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones. This disruption can allow opportunistic organisms like Clostridioides difficile to overgrow, sometimes leading to more severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Some key points to consider:
- If you experience mild diarrhea while taking cefdinir, it often resolves on its own or shortly after completing the antibiotic course.
- However, if you develop severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider immediately as this could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.
- Taking cefdinir with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and some patients find that probiotic supplements help maintain gut flora balance during antibiotic treatment, as suggested by studies on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and the use of probiotics 3, 4.
- It's also important to note that cefdinir can cause "bloody diarrhea" in young children due to an interaction with iron-containing preparations, as reported in the 2023 study 2. Overall, while cefdinir is generally well-tolerated, its potential to cause diarrhea, including severe cases, should be considered and monitored during treatment, as emphasized in earlier studies on the drug's safety profile 5, 6.