Drug interactions
Cefdinir + Clarithromycin
Severity: Minor
Cefdinir and Clarithromycin: 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.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefdinir and Clarithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefdinir belongs to Anti Bacterial; Clarithromycin 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 when dual coverage is indicated; monitor 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cefdinir and Clarithromycin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefdinir with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefdinir and Clarithromycin 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.
How serious is the interaction between Cefdinir and Clarithromycin?
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 when dual coverage is indicated; monitor 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
