Is Cefdinir Being Discontinued? Untangling Brand vs. Generic
Questions about the availability of the antibiotic cefdinir have become common, causing concern for both patients and healthcare providers. The short answer to the question, is cefdinir being discontinued?, is no, but the context is crucial. The brand-name version, Omnicef, has indeed been discontinued in the U.S. [1.3.5, 1.2.6]. However, cefdinir, the active ingredient, continues to be manufactured and sold as a generic medication [1.2.1].
This is a common lifecycle for prescription drugs. When a medication is first developed, it is sold under a brand name protected by a patent. Once that patent expires, other pharmaceutical companies can produce and sell the same medication, which is known as a generic version [1.4.5]. Generics are required to be just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts but are typically much less expensive [1.3.8]. The increased competition often leads to the original manufacturer discontinuing the pricier brand-name drug, which is what happened with Omnicef [1.4.6].
What is Cefdinir and How Does It Work?
Cefdinir is a powerful antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called third-generation cephalosporins [1.3.3]. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth [1.6.6]. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it is effective against a wide variety of bacteria [1.3.3]. It will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu [1.2.1].
Cefdinir is prescribed by doctors to treat many types of mild to moderate bacterial infections, including:
- Community-acquired pneumonia [1.6.5]
- Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis [1.6.5]
- Acute sinusitis (sinus infections) [1.6.5]
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis (sore throat/strep throat) [1.6.5]
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections [1.6.5]
- Acute otitis media (middle ear infections), particularly in children [1.6.5]
The medication is available by prescription in two forms: oral capsules and a powder for oral suspension (liquid), which is often used for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing pills [1.6.6].
Current Cefdinir Shortages (2025)
While generic cefdinir is not discontinued, it has been subject to shortages. These supply issues are part of a broader trend of antibiotic shortages affecting various medications [1.5.2]. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), as of September 2025, there are active shortages affecting cefdinir.
Specifically, Teva, a major manufacturer, has the 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension on backorder, with an estimated resupply date in early October 2025 [1.5.1]. The 300 mg capsules are on intermittent backorder, with the company releasing supplies as they become available [1.5.1]. These shortages can be caused by various factors, including manufacturing problems, quality issues, or sudden increases in demand [1.5.5]. If you find your pharmacy is out of stock, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the best alternative.
Cefdinir Side Effects and Important Considerations
Like all antibiotics, cefdinir can cause side effects. The most common ones are generally mild and may include:
- Diarrhea (up to 15% of adult patients) [1.3.6]
- Nausea and vomiting [1.2.3]
- Abdominal pain [1.6.3]
- Headache [1.2.3]
- Vaginal yeast infections [1.6.2]
Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. These can include watery or bloody diarrhea (which could be a sign of a serious intestinal condition called Clostridium difficile colitis), severe skin rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat [1.6.2, 1.6.6].
Before taking cefdinir, it's important to tell your doctor about any allergies, especially to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics [1.6.3]. You should also inform them of any other medications you are taking. Cefdinir can interact with antacids and iron supplements, so it's recommended to take cefdinir at least two hours before or after these products [1.2.3].
Cefdinir Alternatives: A Comparative Look
Given the potential for shortages and the need for different treatments based on the type of infection or patient allergies, several alternatives to cefdinir are available. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection, local resistance patterns, and patient history [1.7.1].
| Feature | Cefdinir (Generic Omnicef) | Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin) | Azithromycin (Zithromax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Third-Generation Cephalosporin [1.6.2] | Penicillin Combination [1.7.7] | Macrolide [1.7.6] |
| Common Uses | Pneumonia, sinusitis, strep throat, skin & ear infections [1.6.5] | Sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, UTIs, skin infections [1.7.3, 1.7.7] | Pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, certain STIs [1.7.6] |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, headache, yeast infection [1.6.2] | Diarrhea, nausea, rash [1.7.7] | Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain [1.7.6] |
| Key Differentiator | Good for many common respiratory and skin infections. | Broad-spectrum, often used for more resistant bacteria due to clavulanate [1.7.3]. | Good for patients with penicillin allergies; often a shorter course of treatment (e.g., Z-Pak) [1.7.6]. |
Other alternatives include different cephalosporins like Cefpodoxime or Cefuroxime, which may be preferred for certain infections, and Clindamycin for some skin infections [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
Conclusion
To summarize, cefdinir is not being discontinued, but its brand-name version, Omnicef, is no longer on the market [1.2.5]. The widely available generic version is the same effective medication. However, patients may encounter temporary shortages, particularly of the liquid suspension, as part of a larger supply chain issue affecting antibiotics [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. Fortunately, numerous effective alternatives exist. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their symptoms and determine the most appropriate antibiotic treatment for their specific condition.
