Cefdinir and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

For Bronchitis "I have a 15-year-old daughter with congenital heart disease. In March, right before everything was closed down due to the pandemic, she got really sick. Her INR was off, it was actually the first clue we had any idea something was wrong. She was admitted to the hospital to get that under control. They found lung effusions, abdominal abscesses, and she was having SVT. She ended up in ICU on pressors and major heart drugs, and had the effusions tapped. Here's where cefdinir comes in. They put her on cefdinir in the hospital and sent her home on that. (She also needed oxygen in the hospital). She was on cefdinir from March until around May 10th. Her lungs and abscesses cleared up, and she never got C. diff. 300 mg twice a day. I'm thankful this drug worked and didn't contradict any of her heart meds she's on. She did have occasional nausea and occasional diarrhea, but not C. diff. This was a very long-term use with a good outcome, and I just wanted to share."

• aub...
• March 29, 2020

Cefdinir "This drug cefdinir makes me feel like I am dying. I was prescribed Omnicef for a severe UTI that traveled to my kidneys. By day two, I am vomiting profusely, I cannot stop having diarrhea, and I genuinely feel like I am hallucinating and dying. I want to stop taking this medicine, but I cannot deal with the pain of UTIs. I’m lost. Please say no to this medication and stay away at all costs."

• Rob...
• November 17, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this medication to fight sinusitis back in August 2018, but all it did is kill pretty much my intestinal system. I have the worst diarrhea I have ever had in my entire 50-plus years. For the past 15 months, it has been living an awful life. I have had to take anti-diarrhea medication almost daily. Some days it is so bad I can't leave my house for fear of an accident. There are times I don't make it to the bathroom. I have been seeing a gastrointestinal specialist multiple times trying to get this resolved. They are still trying to figure out how to stop the episodes. I have taken antibiotics in the past with no side effects, but this is the worst. The negative side effects from cefdinir will make a big impact on your quality of life. It has affected my personal and professional life as well as my finances. I can only hope that more people read the warnings of any drugs so you can avoid potential issues that pharmacists or doctors don't tell you about."

• Kee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Middle Ear Infections "I should have reviewed this terrible medication, cefdinir, months ago. I know I will never take this medication again. I have never had any reaction to any other antibiotics before. Healthy 50-year-old. I tend to resist new medications just because of reading side effects. I did not check this prior to taking it. I was prescribed this for an ear infection. I did not research this medication before because I thought it must have only happened to me, but now my grandson was prescribed this as well, and I needed to see if anyone else had my experience. Too many reviews with similar experiences. I was able to take it nine days until excessive diarrhea, vomiting profusely, temperature, and abdominal cramps. Four days clear liquids, five days of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, two trips to the ER. Bottom line, destroys the good bacteria inside you, and the bad bacteria takes over. Intense stomach pain lasted 14 days. I hope this review helps someone before they start taking it. Stick with the basic antibiotics."

• Whi...
• January 31, 2020

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this cefdinir for a sinus infection. Supposed to take one 300 mg pill twice a day for 7 days. I took the first pill around 7 this morning, and by 11, I had horrible cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. It’s now 1:30, and I cannot leave the toilet. I will not be taking another pill if I survive this day. If you’re looking for a good colon cleanse, try these. Otherwise, AVOID AT ALL COSTS."

• Ran...
• August 20, 2018

Cefdinir for Sinusitis "I started taking this for a sinus infection. The first 5 days I was fine and just added extra yogurt to my diet to be safe. By day 6, I had a little bit of diarrhea, which was expected. It turned into diarrhea every 45 minutes until I had nothing left for the next 24 hours. Then it was like my bowels were being turned inside out, and all that came out was black mucus. I immediately stopped the medication. I’ve been about 36 hours without it, and things are slowly looking up. But I have had to miss work and other events because of it. My doctor said this was safe for those that are allergic to amoxicillin, but apparently not. I do not recommend this to anyone. If you read most other reviews, it’s about the same thing."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Sinusitis "Second time I’m on this cefdinir at a dose of 300 mg for ten days, twice daily. Worst medicine with horrendous side effects: light-headed, acid reflux, inability to sleep, nausea, with severe reactions. Almost lost consciousness several times, inability to control urine, and of course severe diarrhea. Horrible stuff."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2017

For Bronchitis "Do any of you people whining about diarrhea realize that all antibiotics can cause diarrhea? Would you rather have loose stools or die of pneumonia? Seems like a no-brainer to me. It is not the doctor's job, more like the pharmacist and your own, since you are your own advocate for your health to adequately research the drugs you put into your body! Yikes! Your doctor is attempting to help you get better."

• Cef...
• November 9, 2009

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed Cefdinir after getting a sinus infection and bronchitis. It solved that problem in just a few days, but after 3 days on it, my diarrhea became intolerable, far worse than the original sickness. I stopped taking Cefdinir. It's been over 3 weeks now of non-stop gastrointestinal pain that landed me a colonoscopy procedure, stool cultures at the hospital, and persistent diarrhea. The worst of which culminated in a near blackout from pain on the toilet. My case may have been a rare exception, but I'm certain Cefdinir is no friend of mine."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2019

For Sinusitis "I took cefdinir antibiotic for a sinus infection for three days. I ended up having to stop because I was having such bad diarrhea and cramping, which isn’t good since I’m pregnant also. Ended up having to go to the doctor three different times to figure out I now have a C-diff infection from this medicine and now have to take a different antibiotic to clear that up. If you’ve never heard of C-diff, it’s an infection of your intestines and makes you have to go to the bathroom ten or more times a day! Wish I never would’ve started this antibiotic in the first place!"

• cin...
• January 6, 2013

For Sinusitis "Went to urgent care for an upper respiratory infection. Cefdinir, after 1 day, helped with the respiratory problem but left me suffering with intolerable diarrhea. I'm taking probiotics and just had to take a Lomotil. No pain, but just pure and simple constant running to the bathroom. I'm 70 years old and consider myself an athlete and very strong. Rarely sick, but this has taken me down, I stopped the cefdinir after 5 days. Could not take it anymore."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2016

For Sinusitis "Started this to fight a sinus infection. Four days in, seemed to improve. Only negative was a bad headache. Night four, horrible night sweats and chills to the bone. I couldn't function at work and was still getting chills and stomach cramps. Then the constant diarrhea started. Day five, I had a fever of 102 to go along with body shakes, headache, and still diarrhea. I thought it was the flu, so I continued medication, but by day seven, I had had no relief from it, called my doctor, and she told me to stop meds immediately. I just stopped and am hoping for some relief. I am dehydrated and weak and still can't leave the bathroom for more than 20 minutes! Bad reaction and hoping for some relief!"

• Sag...
• January 23, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "Cefdinir is a good medication and has worked for both sinus and ear infections that I have had. All doctors should also inform their patients you must take a probiotic while on this medication. It eliminates the diarrhea, headaches, and many other side effects I am seeing in the responses below."

• Cur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

For Sinusitis "I've had roughly 8 sinus infections over the past 20 years, and this is the first time I've been prescribed cefdinir. I've taken it as prescribed, one pill every 12 hours, for the past 24 hours. Unknown if this is working on my sinusitis, as my attention is now 110% focused on the most horrific and violent case of perpetual diarrhea I've ever experienced. Colonoscopy prep doesn't compare to this. The prescribing doctor and I will be having a conversation when the clinic opens later today."

• Aal...
• August 1, 2009

For Sinusitis "Cefdinir did what no other antibiotic did as for getting rid of certain problems that I had for years. However, I had severe cramping and diarrhea with this medicine and had to quit taking it. I feel like, if the doctors know something about this medicine, besides popping 2 a day, he or she should tell you. A person has to look on the internet how to take medicines in order to keep down the side effects. And if my doctor told me it would be better to take Cefdinir on a full stomach and eat yogurt every day, maybe the side effects would have been much less. And he knows how sensitive I am to medicines."

• Hy9...
• July 31, 2016

For Strep Throat "I've got strep throat probably about 4 times in the last 12 months, I've usually got Amoxicillin for strep (what my Dr. always prescribes). A couple of months ago when I got strep throat, I went to my Dr. and it was after hours so I saw someone I had never seen before. She gave me a steroid shot for swelling and also an antibiotic shot, prescribed cefdinir two times daily for ten days. It worked great! I felt better after two pills the first night. Well, I got it again a few days ago and was prescribed cefdinir again and I'm so glad because it works super fast! Better than Amoxicillin in my opinion. The only side effect is diarrhea. I haven't really had it this time, but I did the first time I took it. LOVE this medicine. I recommend it."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

"I took one pill of cefdinir for a UTI, and a couple hours later had diarrhea. The next morning I took another one, and now I am experiencing heart palpitations, extreme fatigue and weakness in my limbs, nausea, confusion, dizziness, severe anxiety. Please do not take this medicine!"

• TSF...
• December 28, 2019

For Bronchitis "I am a fair-skinned redhead and react to almost everything. I do get bronchitis about one to two times per year. I have sensitive lungs, and when I get it, I have the thick junk and can hardly breathe. I'm O positive for my blood type. But this drug works great with little side effects, if you don't take too much. I have taken this many times over the years as it works the best for me, perhaps my blood type. I only take it once a day for seven days, it does take about three days to really start working, but does a great job getting rid of bronchitis. I've been treated with it for pneumonia as well. I have found it to work excellently. It is strong, so that's why I only take one per day. You can have loose stools, but taking one instead of two seemed to relieve some of that, plus away from any other medications or supplements for sure! I can say I've used this medicine several times in about ten years, and it always worked great! It also helps my rashy, acne-prone skin while on it, that's a bonus!"

• Cof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2013

For Middle Ear Infections "Just starting day 3 of Cefdinir for double middle ear infections. Almost immediately, the drainage down my throat was better, and today I can actually talk without coughing each time I open my mouth, so it appears to be getting rid of all the fluid. Slight amount of diarrhea, but not too bad. So far, it appears to be working. Hoping that at least some of my hearing will start to return."

• Liv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Sinusitis "Sinus infection right now. I was given cefdinir to take twice daily. I'd never taken it before, but I do not like it. I swear it's making me dehydrated, tired, itchy, diarrhea the first 2 days, lots of side effects. I've taken amoxicillin before, so I am not sure why I was given this drug. My doctor told me to continue taking it for now. I have 4 days remaining, but I'm done with it. Oh, and my head still hurts, not as bad as it was, but it's still there."

• cjm...
• February 14, 2018

For Sinusitis "1.5 hours after the first dose. Severe stomach pain, projectile vomiting, and watery diarrhea for 6 hours, severe chills and sweating, panic, hyperventilating. I am 48 and not new to vomiting, etc.! This was unlike any other episode. Hospitalized for 3 days! Doctor brushed it off as flu! Tried a dose last night for a new sinus infection, and severe cramping and vomiting started within 3 hours of 1 dose! I will refuse this medication in the future!"

• CWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2019

"Prescribed cefdinir 300 mg 2x a day for 7 days for a UTI. After the 5th day, stopped. I have had several problems with my GI tract. Have been trying to repair the damage done from previous antibiotics. Feel like I just took a huge step backwards! Now my gut is worse than before. Side effects are nausea, chills, diarrhea, headache, anxiety, sleeplessness, and a horrible distended belly. No appetite either, terrible taste in my mouth, red (almost purple) tongue. Horrible drug. Seems most reviews are very similar. Should have declined this drug. One more night, for those of you writing reviews during the course should not write a review until AFTER you finish the course! Side effects more often begin after finishing the drug, duh!!! And this drug is considered a “wide spectrum antibiotic,” which means it will get rid of a lot of strains of bacteria, including the good gut bacteria. If you have to take this drug, I strongly recommend a good probiotic."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2016

For Sinusitis "I had a horrible experience on cefdinir. I was prescribed it for sinusitis, 300 mg twice per day for 10 days. Two hours after the first dose, I started throwing up constantly. After about 3 hours of throwing up, I was feeling weak and dizzy and was in a lot of pain. I went to the ER, and they started IV fluids for severe dehydration. That's when the diarrhea started. Worst diarrhea of my life (I have IBS, so I've had some pretty bad diarrhea). After the fluids, Zofran, and diluted Bentyl, the throwing up finally stopped. The ER doc said it was because of the cefdinir. I never took a second dose. I would have rather just let the sinusitis play itself out than deal with these side effects from cefdinir. I'll never take it again."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2018

For Bronchitis "This has got to be the worst medication I've been on. I went to the doctor for recurring fever, sore throat, and violent coughing to the point of almost throwing up. The doctor prescribed me this medication. After 24 hours of taking the medication, I developed diarrhea. I, at first, didn't think it was part of the drug, until severe fatigue/lethargy took hold. On the third day, I suspected that it had to be the drug. I called the doctor's office and told them. They told me to stop taking the drug immediately. I was given a different antibiotic, but to wait two or three days before taking the next antibiotic."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2019

For Bronchitis "I’ve been on this med for 10 days, just took my last two pills. The first few days were the absolute worst... until I realized I needed to eat more when taking it. Since I couldn’t stomach anything else, I ate potatoes. This seemed to help a lot. I was also taking 3-4 pills of 5 million probiotics per pill. Once I figured out the full stomach and probiotic combo, the diarrhea and stomach cramping stopped."