How Do I Use Cefdinir for Children?

Doctors prescribe cefdinir for children in order to treat a range of common infections caused by bacteria. If your child has a bacterial infection, his or her doctor may prescribe it to be taken orally, either in a single daily dose or a twice per day dosage. Your child will likely receive a dosage appropriate for his or her weight and must finish all of the medication to ensure effective treatment of the bacterial infection. Though doctors do prescribe cefdinir for children, the medication is also used to treat bacterial infections in adult patients.

This medication is typically used for the treatment of bacterial infections, such those that involve the ears and sinuses as well as pneumonia. A doctor might also prescribe cefdinir for children in cases of bronchitis or tonsillitis. This medication is also effective for throat infections, including strep throat, and skin infections that have been caused by bacteria. Frequently, a doctor will also recommend cefdinir for children who are allergic to the commonly-used antibiotic penicillin.

Doctors typically prescribe this medication for oral use. Depending on the age of the child, the preferences of the child, and the child’s ability to swallow pills, it can be administered in pill or elixir form. If a doctor prescribes this medication for your child, the dosage will usually depend on his or her age and weight. In many cases, children who weigh more and are older need more of the medication to treat the same illness. You can give this medication to your child with or without food, but food may help if the medicine upsets your child's stomach.

As with other medications, cefdinir sometimes causes side effects. Among them are diarrhea, which is the most common side effect; nausea; and stomachaches. Headaches, rashes, and yeast infections can develop as well. Serious side effects occur on occasion and can include difficulty breathing and changes in one’s heart rhythm, bloody or severe diarrhea, blurry vision, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney failure. If you believe your child is suffering a severe effect of this medication, you should contact his or her doctor right away.

Often, parents seek help from doctors when their children have severe cold symptoms, illnesses that cause stomach upset, the flu, and a range of other illnesses caused by viruses. In many cases, parents take their children to a doctor in the hopes of obtaining antibiotics that help them feel better. Like other antibiotics, however, cefdinir is not effective against viruses.