Cefdinir and Rash: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2021

For Sinusitis "I took cefdinir for 7 days. My first symptoms were hives that started on the 6th day. Since I'm allergic to ampicillin, I decided to stop taking cefdinir because of the hives. Once I stopped taking it, I had two migraines. I've been having anxiety every day since I stopped cefdinir. Even today, a slight cough and also weird back and chest pain when I breathe. Has anyone else experienced any of these symptoms?"

• jhh...
• April 10, 2009

Cefdinir for Sinusitis "Omnicef was effective in treating my daughter's sinusitis. However, she broke out in hives a day after finishing the medication. Although it is not certain the medicine caused her hives, it is very ironic that they broke out within 24 hours of finishing the antibiotic."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2010

Cefdinir for Middle Ear Infections "My daughter, who was 14 months at the time, had a severe reaction to this medication after being prescribed for a 3rd ear infection in a year. She actually got worse and had severe side effects (aside from the gastrointestinal as mentioned by others), including vomiting, continued high fever, and by the end of the second day - hives. I list it as a drug allergy now on all her medical paperwork."

• Tem...
• November 25, 2010

For Middle Ear Infections "Allergic reaction! My 11-year-old son started taking cefdinir because he had an ear infection. After the 7th dose, he started complaining of a 'burning' pain in his feet and hands. I suspected it was a reaction to the cefdinir, stopped giving him the medication, and contacted his doctor's office to notify them. He is not taking a new antibiotic. However, three days after the last dose of cefdinir, he has developed a new symptom: an allergic rash. He has a red rash on his arms and legs. Allergy to cefdinir confirmed! Please follow your gut instinct if you have any reason to suspect an allergy to medication! I'm so glad I followed mine!"

• Isl...
• January 17, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "My 11-year-old son got put on this drug for an ear infection. He is allergic to Amoxicillin, so they prescribed cefdinir. He took it one time before and had no issues. This time, however, on day 8 of 10, he broke out in severe hives all over his body. Had to counteract with Benadryl. Took him to urgent care, and they prescribed prednisolone for 5 days. On day 3 now and still have not seen any improvement. I am trying to be hopeful that by day 4 I will see some. Has anyone had a similar experience?"

• Mic...
• December 28, 2016

For Sinusitis "Horrible. Given for sinus infection. Day 8 today, not feeling better. Got the rash right away but tolerated it because I was so miserable from sinus infection. I wanted to get better. Day 5, flu-like symptoms, thought maybe I had caught the flu from my son? Now, I don't think that was it, I think it was the meds. High fever, aches, and pains. Have had horrible headaches throughout, assumed it was because of sinusitis, now wondering if it was from the meds. Called the doctor on day 6, and she said to keep taking it and call back if not better in another day. Now have developed cough and diarrhea. After reading these reviews, wish I had read them sooner... pretty sure all my new symptoms are not related to the sinus infection but to this medicine."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2017

Cefdinir for Sinusitis "I took this medicine for ten days. I took 300 mg twice a day. It was horrible, the side effects that I experienced. I had the worst yeast infection and broke out in the worst rash I have ever seen. It would bleed and itched so bad it about drove me crazy. I finally went back to the doctor. It took three months to get it all healed up. They should take this medicine off the market."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Prescribed this drug because of a history of MONO with tonsillitis. I was very reluctant to take it but went ahead anyway. Besides the pill smelling like death, 4 days into it I was better and expedited extremely bad cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. I mistakenly took another dosage and was filled with hives all over. Still dealing with the second day of hives, the ER gave me 5 days of steroids. I’ve been on tons of antibiotics for recurring strep and tonsillitis and have NEVER experienced something like this."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2018

For Sinusitis "No side effects at all until my 4th day. I got horrible pain in my leg when going for an easy walk. I thought maybe I twisted my leg somehow? When I woke up, the pain had gotten a little better from resting it, so I took another pill like normal and 4 hours later went for a walk and my other leg started cramping, and I couldn't walk anymore at all! Had to have my bf pick me up. An hour after that, I had horrible widespread body aches, felt like I had the flu. A red rash that lasted a few hours on my face. I'm a 33-year-old healthy female, so I don't have arthritis or anything. I'm not sure if this was causing tendon problems or what. I still have sinus issues, but I guess that's better than not being able to walk and feeling like I've been hit by a truck."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2015

For Middle Ear Infections "My daughter, who is 1 year old, was prescribed this medication for an ear infection. This is her very first one, so I thought they would prescribe amoxicillin. She developed a very bad rash on her stomach, chest, and back. I immediately called her doctor, and they switched her meds. She's now on azithromycin, hopefully, this one works. They also put her on a steroid to help with the rash."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2009

For Sinusitis "Well, after my first pill, I already felt better sinus-wise, but I had an allergic reaction and broke out in a red rash all over my face that spread to more of my body. Be careful if you are allergic to penicillin. You may also be allergic to this medication."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "I was prescribed cefdinir for strep, and after two doses, had a severe headache, nausea, diarrhea, and after 24 hours, broke out in very painful hives on my neck and chest - now I'm taking Benadryl and a topical - Clobetasol Propionate for the rash and a different antibiotic for the strep. After reading all the side effects people get from this drug, I do not recommend it."

• Ano...
• January 31, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "My son was prescribed this medication due to an ear infection. After about 3 days on it, his whole body was covered in hives. He had huge welts from head to toe. He was 2 at the time. He was given steroids to help bring down the hives, and his feet swelled like balloons. He was on the steroids for 2 days before his feet swelled. I do not recommend this antibiotic for younger kids. Very bad experience. Please stay away at all costs."

• Kim...
• February 8, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "My daughter will be one this week. She was put on cefdinir for an ear infection that didn't clear after amoxicillin treatment. Today (third day) she broke out in hives on her back, chest, and neck. She also has nasty reddish diarrhea that is giving her an awful diaper rash. The doctor told me to stop the medicine, give her Benadryl, and bring her for an appointment tomorrow morning. She is clearly allergic."

• Kim...
• February 8, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "My daughter will be one this week. She was put on cefdinir for an ear infection that didn't clear after amoxicillin treatment. Today (third day) she broke out in hives on her back, chest, and neck. She also has nasty reddish diarrhea that is giving her an awful diaper rash. The doctor told me to stop the medicine, give her Benadryl, and bring her for an appointment tomorrow morning. She is clearly allergic."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "I'm extremely allergic to this medication. I was prescribed Omnicef as a child and broke out in extreme hives, blisters, and welts. I'm an adult now, and I went to the doctor for a case of bronchitis, and she gave me cefdinir. (The generic name for it. I thought it was a different medication since it didn't say Omnicef). It was on my record that I was allergic to it, and the urgent care doctor I saw has no idea how it got through the computer, and I was lucky that my throat wasn't swelling up and that the doctor could have made a fatal mistake. Talk to your doctor very seriously about this medication and always Google what they give you to make sure they didn't make a mistake. (I certainly learned that lesson)"

• Mal...
• January 9, 2017

For Sinusitis "I have chronic sinusitis and was prescribed cefdinir. I had no known allergies to antibiotics (and have been on MANY over the years). Two days into treatment, I woke with my face swollen and covered in hives. My throat began swelling, and I was rushed to the ER. After two Epi shots and IV epinephrine, I spent 5 days in intensive care with anaphylaxis and the worst case of hives I have ever experienced. It was, by far, the most agonizing pain I've endured. It took months to go away with steroids, antibiotics, and prescription antihistamines. I have permanent scarring on my body as a result of the hives. I'm now allergic to all cephalosporins."

• Mom...
• June 17, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "My 6-year-old daughter was given this medication for supposed wheezing in her lungs. 3rd dose she broke out all over her face and body! Itched horribly. Ended up taking her to an ER, and the doctor said to immediately stop this medication and had to give her a cortisone shot to reduce the rash. :( I strongly advise reconsidering if given this medication and you have other options."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2017

For Strep Throat "Got prescribed cefdinir for strep throat and sinus infection and ear infection. I have a penicillin allergy that causes hives and hallucinations, and it shows up on day 10 of taking penicillin. My doctor is aware I have this allergy. They prescribed cefdinir and said that I will have a 10% chance of being allergic to this as well. So I got the prescription filled and took it like I was supposed to. On day 10, I woke up and my face is swollen and wheezing. Discontinued taking the medication. I took some Benadryl and ibuprofen, and it didn't touch my reaction. I went to the doctor the next morning, and they ended up giving me an Epi shot in my arm and a steroid shot in my hip and prescribed prednisone for 4 days after that. Anaphylactic reaction."

• Mim...
• November 22, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "Had a sinus infection. Dr. prescribed cefdinir, got a shot, and prednisone. Three days of treatment with cefdinir, no better and feeling worse. Lethargic, dizzy. Stopped cefdinir and started getting better. Two days later, I broke out in horrific, painful itching hives on my entire body!!! ER visit. Steroid shot and hydroxyzine, two days and still suffering unbearable pain and itching! Saw my GP today. She's never ever seen an allergic reaction this severe! Just have to wait it out, and in the meantime, suffer!!! Do not use this drug!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "After 3 days of taking this medication, I was suffering from constant gastrointestinal issues, which is something I have never experienced on antibiotics before, even with probiotics. On day 4, I began with severe itching, burning, and hives and returned to the doctor. This antibiotic also seemed to have little effect on my original illness. I am now on a Z pack and feel much better. Now I have to be on a long course of Prednisone for my allergic reaction, which has yet to subside. This by far has been the worst antibiotic I have ever taken in my life. Never, ever again!"

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Side effect still lasting after 10 days off med. Itchy rash, swollen neck, chest, face, tongue, headache, fatigue, on and off diarrhea. Increased urination. Feel terrible for weeks. Took 2 a day for 10 days. Don't recommend this at all."

• 7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "Son took this, and it worked well until day 8. He was supposed to do a 10-day course. Then he broke out in a horrible rash: itching, burning, throat swelling, vomiting. Highly allergic to this drug. Currently taking 5 days of steroids and back-to-back Benadryl doses. Complains often of aggressive itch and burning. Seek a doctor immediately if your child breaks out."

• Goo...
• March 31, 2016

For Bronchitis "Day 10, my 10-year-old son started painful itching. Took Advil, Zyrtec, and called Dr. Instructed to give Benadryl. Next day, welts all over, hot red rash coming and going in waves. Severe joint pain, cough, and puffiness around eyes. Dr. reluctant to classify reaction as allergy to antibiotic, pointed out that he'd taken same antibiotic 5 months prior and had no reaction. I suggested that first exposure = sensitized and second exposure elicits reaction. Pedi finally agreed with Mom's assessment, prescribed oral steroid. Six days later, moderate symptom control on double dose Benadryl, 20 mg prednisone, albuterol for shortness of breath. Dr. says not anaphylaxis. I suspect otherwise and have EpiPen. He's only comfortable when medicated. Bad drug!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "My 17-month-old was put on this antibiotic for a double ear infection. Infection was clear by day 5, but my son was allergic and broke out into a horrible rash all over his body."