What is the brand name for Cefdinir?
The brand name for Cefdinir is Omnicef.
PTCE Top 200 · #165
Cefdinir
Omnicef
Cefdinir is the generic name for the brand-name drug Omnicef. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd gen) used to treat bacterial infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Cefdinir ranks #165 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Cefdinir |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Omnicef |
| Drug class | Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd gen) |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | bacterial infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Cefdinir used for?
Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (e.g., community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis), acute bacterial sinusitis, and skin/skin-structure infections (product-specific).
What drug class is Cefdinir?
Cefdinir is a Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd gen) in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Cefdinir
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightStomach pain
- arrow_rightRash
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightVaginal yeast infection
- arrow_rightVomiting
Major interactions
- arrow_rightIron supplements and iron-fortified products decrease absorption (separate dosing)
- arrow_rightAntacids containing aluminum or magnesium decrease absorption (separate dosing)
- arrow_rightWarfarin: may increase INR/bleeding risk (monitor)
- arrow_rightProbenecid may increase cephalosporin levels (reduced renal excretion)
Is Cefdinir a controlled substance?
No. Cefdinir is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Cefdinir (PTCE mnemonic)
OMNI-cef covers OMNI-bugs — cef-DINIR is 3rd-gen cephalosporin (broader gram-neg). Diarrhea/rash; RED/ORANGE stool with iron (harmless); ~5% penicillin cross-reactivity.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Cefdinir plus iron or antacids = reduced absorption and famously reddish stools (harmless) — plus the standard cephalosporin question: cross-reactivity with severe penicillin allergy.
Cefdinir FAQ
What is Cefdinir used for?
Cefdinir is used to treat bacterial infections. Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (e.g., community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis), acute bacterial sinusitis, and skin/skin-structure infections (product-specific).
What drug class is Cefdinir?
Cefdinir is a Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd gen) (Infectious Disease group).
Is Cefdinir a controlled substance?
No. Cefdinir is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Cefdinir the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).