Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Cefdinir
Severity: Minor
Azithromycin and Cefdinir: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Bacteriostatic macrolides have been theorized to blunt the activity of bactericidal beta-lactams, which depend on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced outcomes is limited and inconsistent, and the combination is often used deliberately, for example in community-acquired pneumonia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Cefdinir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cefdinir belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism, as bacteriostatic suppression of growth may reduce beta-lactam bactericidal activity.
What to do
No routine change is needed; combine when dual coverage is indicated and reassess clinical response. Avoid the pairing when it adds no spectrum benefit.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cefdinir
- Aluminum hydroxide + Cefdinir Moderate
- Cefdinir + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefdinir + Famotidine Moderate
- Cefdinir + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefdinir + Microbiota Moderate
- Cefdinir + Nizatidine Moderate
Other interactions of Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Cefdinir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Azithromycin and Cefdinir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bacteriostatic macrolides have been theorized to blunt the activity of bactericidal beta-lactams, which depend on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced outcomes is limited and inconsistent, and the combination is often used deliberately, for example in community-acquired pneumonia.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Cefdinir?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; combine when dual coverage is indicated and reassess clinical response. Avoid the pairing when it adds no spectrum benefit.
What other medicines interact with Cefdinir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefdinir with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Cholera vaccine, Famotidine. The full list is on the Cefdinir page.
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