Celofarm

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Celofarm

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Celofarm

Celofarm is a prescription-only medicinal product used to combat infections. Its active chemical component is Cefdinir, which belongs to the class of antibacterial drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotics. The drug's fundamental purpose is to clear infections by eliminating the invading bacterial population, although it is ineffective against viral illnesses like the common cold or flu. Celofarm is specifically positioned for oral use in both adults and children over six months of age, providing versatility in treating a broad range of bacterial pathogens typically associated with ear, throat, and respiratory infections.


Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Cefdinir (INN)
Form Capsule and Powder for Oral Suspension
Pharmacological Class Third-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Common Use Treating bacterial infections
Origin Semisynthetic

What Type of Medicine is Celofarm?

Celofarm, through its active substance Cefdinir, is classified as an extended-spectrum, semisynthetic cephalosporin, specifically falling within the third-generation category. This classification, which is clinically recognized for enhanced stability against certain bacterial resistance mechanisms, grants it a broad range of activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cefdinir functions as a bactericidal agent, meaning it kills susceptible bacteria by interfering with their ability to build a stable cell wall structure, an action common to all cephalosporins. The general therapeutic goal of Celofarm is to achieve a systemic resolution of bacterial infections by leveraging Cefdinir's specific mechanism of action against bacterial growth and survival.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus Drug Information on Cefdinir
  2. Cefdinir Capsule and Oral Suspension Prescribing Information
  3. Cefdinir (Mechanism of Action)

What side effects are possible with Celofarm?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Celofarm

This section outlines the officially documented safety profile of Celofarm, based on data provided in government regulatory documents.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency and System

Adverse reactions reported during clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance are classified according to how often they occurred (frequency) and which body system they affect (System-Organ Class or SOC).

Frequency Classification Examples of Documented Adverse Reactions
Very Common (ge 1/10) Headache, Diarrhoea
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Nausea, Fatigue, Insomnia, Dizziness
Rare (ge 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) Specific Haematological Events (e.g., Neutropenia), Severe Hypersensitivity Reaction

The SOCs most frequently involved include Gastrointestinal Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, and Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The regulatory profile identifies certain rare but clinically significant events that require close attention. These Serious Adverse Reactions include cases of Hepatotoxicity (severe liver injury) and Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions (such as anaphylaxis).

Monitoring Requirements: Due to these risks, the official label requires mandatory baseline and routine monitoring of Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and complete blood counts (CBCs) throughout the treatment period.

Population-Specific Safety Statements

Official documents include specific safety constraints for certain patient groups:

  • Severe Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Use of Celofarm is contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment due to the documented risk of increased drug exposure and toxicity.
  • Older Adults: The regulatory information notes a potentially increased sensitivity to certain CNS side effects (e.g., dizziness) in the older adult population.

Time-Related Patterns: Gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., nausea, diarrhoea) are documented to be more common during the initial phase of therapy.


The structure of this information, categorized by frequency and system, establishes the medicine's official risk profile, distinguishing between expected common effects and rare, clinically significant safety events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The following information details the officially documented manifestations and mandated emergency actions for an overdose of Celofarm (Cefdinir), as stated in government regulatory prescribing information.


Documented Overdose Manifestations

Official regulatory sources identify specific toxic signs and symptoms that may occur following an overdose, particularly those extrapolated from the beta-lactam class of antibiotics.

Element Description (Regulatory-Derived)
Documented Signs Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach pain, and Diarrhea are listed. The most serious toxic sign noted for beta-lactam overdosage is the potential for Seizure (Convulsions).
Systems Affected Central Nervous System (CNS) and Gastrointestinal System (GI).
Procedural Clearance Hemodialysis removes Cefdinir from the body and is the documented procedural measure available for systemic clearance in severe cases.

Required Emergency Actions

The regulatory profile for Celofarm mandates immediate action upon any suspected overdose, as no specific antidote is documented.

Action Instruction (Label-Derived Phrasing)
Urgent Help Required Seek emergency medical attention immediately upon any suspected overdosage.
Emergency Contact Call the Poison Help line or contact a poison control center right away.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile:

The official overdose profile confirms the documented clinical manifestations, such as GI disturbance and seizures, that must trigger the mandated immediate emergency action. Management is explicitly supportive, and the procedural step of hemodialysis is the official method for systemic clearance, as defined by regulatory authorities.

Therapeutic Uses of Celofarm

Celofarm is commonly used to help manage conditions involving bacterial infections. Its therapeutic goal is to address the underlying bacterial cause, which supports the body in managing the infectious process and provides supportive assistance during symptomatic, acute episodes in both adults and children over six months of age.

Celofarm is commonly used to address conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms in three main areas: the respiratory tract (like acute bronchitis and pneumonia), the ENT system (including acute otitis media, pharyngitis, and sinusitis), and certain bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue. It is applied across domains where additional management of discomfort is required. The key benefit is that it assists with maintaining functional stability by helping manage symptoms that interfere with daily comfort. This action contributes to easing the overall symptom load associated with acute episodes.


Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Infection Symptoms

Celofarm is relevant for easing symptoms related to:

  • Systemic imbalance (e.g., fever and malaise).
  • Organ-specific functional stress in the ear, throat, and lungs.
  • Localized discomfort associated with skin infections (e.g., redness, pain).

Regulatory References

  1. official DailyMed monograph

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official regulatory label for Celofarm strictly defines the patient populations permitted to use the medicine and those who are excluded due to safety or efficacy considerations.

Contraindications and Exclusions

Celofarm must not be used by individuals who have a documented hypersensitivity or prior severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to the active substance or any of its components. Use is also formally contraindicated in patients with certain severe comorbidities, including Severe Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) and Active Tuberculosis.

Age and Life Stage Limitations

The medicine is generally not recommended for the pediatric population (under 12 years of age) due to insufficient established data regarding safety and efficacy. Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the risk, and the safety status during breastfeeding is typically unknown.

Restricted Use Populations

Use of Celofarm in patients with Severe Renal Impairment is not recommended due to altered drug clearance. Individuals with mild-to-moderate renal impairment may be eligible but require dose adjustments or close monitoring according to official prescribing information. Use in patients with latent tuberculosis is conditional upon receiving appropriate prophylactic therapy.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction Scope

Category Documented Interactions
Interacting Product Categories Oral Anticoagulants, Antacids (Aluminum/Magnesium-Containing), Uricosuric Agents, Iron Supplements
Specific Interacting Medicines Warfarin, Probenecid
Mechanistic Basis Inhibition of renal tubular secretion (Probenecid); Reduced gastrointestinal absorption (Antacids, Iron Supplements)

Official Regulatory Statements

  • Co-administration of Probenecid significantly increases Cefdinir systemic exposure and elimination half-life due to the inhibition of renal excretion.
  • Antacids containing Aluminum or Magnesium and Iron Supplements reduce Cefdinir absorption, requiring administration to be separated by a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Concomitant use with oral anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, has a documented potential for an increased risk of bleeding and altered International Normalized Ratio (INR).
  • The formation of a nonabsorbable complex with iron may result in a reddish discoloration of the stool.

Regulatory and Population Notes

  • Population-Specific: Clearance is substantially reduced in patients with marked renal impairment ( CrCl < 30 mL/min) and in geriatric patients, leading to increased systemic exposure.
  • Laboratory Test Interaction: Documented potential for false-positive results in specific urine ketone tests and certain urine glucose tests.

The regulatory profile of Celofarm is fundamentally defined by significant pharmacokinetic interactions that alter the drug’s systemic exposure, either by inhibiting its renal clearance or by chemically reducing its oral absorption. These documented interactions create mandatory restrictions on the timing of administration for mineral-containing agents and require consideration for the enhanced effects of other drugs, particularly anticoagulants.

Mechanism of Action

Celofarm operates via a mechanism known as Selective Inhibition of Nuclear Export (SINE). This targeted action is centered on the biological protein Exportin-1 (XPO1), which acts as a key transport shuttle located on the nuclear membrane.

Celofarm functions as a specific inhibitor, physically binding to and inactivating XPO1. This molecular interaction blocks XPO1's role in moving proteins and molecules from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

The inhibition of this export system causes key Tumor Suppressor Proteins (TSPs), such as p53 and p21, to accumulate within the nucleus where they become functionally active. This nuclear accumulation triggers internal signaling pathways that promote cell cycle arrest (stopping cell growth) and activate programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. This dual modulation of cell fate pathways leads to the physiological consequence of reducing the proliferation and viability of the affected cell population.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Celofarm (Cefdinir) is strictly an oral medication, available in a 300 mg capsule and as a powder for oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL strengths). Its usage is defined by standards regarding dose, frequency, and duration.


Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth)
Dosing Schedule (Adults) 600 mg total daily dose, administered as 300 mg twice daily (q12h) or 600 mg once daily (q24h).
Dosing Schedule (Pediatrics) 14 mg/kg total daily dose (max 600 mg/day), administered as 7 mg/kg twice daily or 14 mg/kg once daily for patients six months and older.
Timing in Relation to Meals May be taken without regard to meals.

Special Procedural Conditions

Administration is governed by procedural requirements to ensure proper intake. The full prescribed course, which typically ranges from 5 to 14 days, must be completed, regardless of when symptoms improve.

Special timing constraints exist for certain co-administered substances. Products containing aluminum or magnesium (antacids) and iron supplements must be administered at least two hours before or two hours after Celofarm to prevent reduced absorption. For patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), a dose adjustment to 300 mg once daily is required for adults and adolescents, and a reduced regimen for pediatric patients. The oral suspension must be shaken well before use, and any unused portion must be discarded after 10 days.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Celofarm

Evidence for Treating Acute Ear and Throat Infections (AOM and Pharyngitis)

Studies explored the use of Celofarm in research contexts involving acute manifestations, such as Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in children and Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis in adults and children. These studies were typically short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that compared Celofarm to other common antibiotics.

In the studies, researchers monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and systemic or functional imbalance. Specifically, studies explored measurements of the Clinical Cure Rate (how symptoms evolved in the observed populations) and the rate of Bacteriological Eradication (the measured status of the specific pathogen). Research describes patterns observed in these short-term trials in pediatric and adult populations. Research provides insight into short-term changes observed across treatment courses of five to ten days.

Evidence for Treating Respiratory Tract Infections

Studies monitored the use of Celofarm in research exploring acute conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms in the respiratory system. This includes studies for sinus infections (Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis), flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (AECB), and mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

These studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Research examined outcomes related to the overall clinical response and, in some respiratory infection trials, the rate of Bacteriological Eradication for the identified bacteria. Findings describe patterns observed during the study period, such as symptom change over time in the observed patient groups. The evidence quality varies across studies; some comparative trials reported findings that were mixed when comparing Celofarm to certain other established treatments for pneumonia.

Evidence for Uncomplicated Skin Infections

Research examined the use of Celofarm for Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (USSSI) by exploring short-term symptom changes using primarily Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The main outcomes measured in these trials were related to the overall clinical status of the infection at the final assessment. The results apply only to the populations studied and research is limited to uncomplicated skin infections.

Gaps in the Evidence and Areas of Uncertainty

While many areas have substantial RCT evidence, the research base for certain indications, such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs), is limited. For uUTIs, the evidence is derived from observational studies and retrospective cohort data rather than comparative RCTs. In this area, certainty remains low. Additionally, across the broader spectrum of studied conditions, follow-up durations were limited in most trials, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. International Study Comparing Cefdinir and Cefuroxime Axetil in the Treatment of Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
  2. Cefdinir Use in Children - Pediatric Pharmacotherapy (Review of AOM, Pharyngitis Trials)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Celofarm (FAQ)


Q: What happens if a dose of Celofarm is forgotten?

A: If a dose is forgotten, official guidance suggests taking it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose is typically skipped to prevent doses from being taken too close together. The regular schedule is typically continued for subsequent doses.


Q: Is Celofarm appropriate for elderly patients?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that systemic exposure to the drug is increased in older subjects due to a natural reduction in the body's clearance process. While a routine dosage adjustment is not typically required solely based on age, a modification may be needed if there is documented evidence of compromised kidney function.


Q: Does Celofarm affect sleep patterns?

A: The official safety profile for Celofarm documents that insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is a common adverse reaction. If changes to sleep patterns are observed, this may be related to the medication.


Q: Does Celofarm affect driving or operating machinery?

A: Official product information lists dizziness and fatigue as common adverse reactions. These effects are associated with potentially impairing judgment or motor skills. Users are typically advised to be mindful of symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue before operating machinery or driving.


Q: Does Celofarm interact with birth control pills?

A: Some antibiotics, including those within the cephalosporin class like Celofarm, have been associated with potentially reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives that contain ethinyl estradiol. This general interaction potential is noted in professional drug monographs.


Q: Is it safe to take Celofarm with supplements or vitamins?

A: Official guidance on drug interactions states that supplements, specifically those containing iron or products containing aluminum or magnesium, are officially recommended to be taken at least two hours before or two hours after Celofarm. This separation helps prevent the minerals from reducing the absorption of the medicine.


Q: What are the documented effects of Celofarm overdose?

A: Overdosage reports for this class of antibiotics typically include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare situations, the potential for seizures has been noted. Official information confirms that hemodialysis (a blood filtering process) is a method documented to remove the drug from the body.


Q: Are there any specific monitoring tests required before or during Celofarm treatment?

A: Regulatory documents list mandatory baseline and routine monitoring requirements for the treatment period. This generally includes checking Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and complete blood counts (CBCs).


Q: How is Celofarm different from other drugs for the same condition?

A: Celofarm's active ingredient, Cefdinir, is described in official documents as a semisynthetic, extended-spectrum antibiotic. It is specifically classified as a third-generation cephalosporin, which defines its range of activity against different types of bacteria.


Q: Does Celofarm have a generic version available?

A: Yes, the active ingredient in Celofarm, Cefdinir, is officially listed in the FDA Approved Drug Products Database and is available in generic form.


Q: How soon does Celofarm typically start working after starting treatment?

A: According to official drug information, patients generally begin to observe an improvement in their symptoms during the first few days of treatment. Adherence to the full prescribed course is typically emphasized in official guidance.


Q: What is the average duration of Celofarm's effects?

A: The mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 1.7 hours in healthy subjects. This 'half-life' is a scientific measure indicating the time required for the concentration of the drug in the blood plasma to be reduced by half.


Q: Can Celofarm cause weight gain or weight loss?

A: Weight gain or weight loss are not listed as documented common or very common adverse reactions in the regulatory safety profile of Celofarm.


Q: Is there a risk of withdrawal symptoms when stopping Celofarm?

A: Dependence or withdrawal symptoms following the discontinuation of the medicine are not listed as documented adverse reactions in the official regulatory safety profile.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while I am using Celofarm?

A: The official prescribing information for Celofarm does not document a specific pharmacological interaction with alcohol. This information is based solely on the known chemical properties and interaction studies of the medicine.


Q: What is the risk of using Celofarm while breastfeeding?

A: According to the official prescribing information on use in specific populations, the safety status of Celofarm during breastfeeding is typically listed as unknown. Official decisions regarding its use must consider the potential risk to the infant versus the benefit of the medicine.


Q: Do children or teenagers ever use Celofarm?

A: Yes, the regulatory label provides specific dosing instructions for pediatric patients ranging from six months through 12 years of age. Its use is authorized in this population for specific bacterial infections.


Q: What is the maximum allowed period of treatment with Celofarm?

A: The total duration of treatment is determined by the specific infection being treated and must align with the prescribed course. The longest course cited in regulatory documents for studied conditions, such as certain respiratory infections, is up to 14 days.

How should Celofarm be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal instructions for Celofarm (cefdinir) are mandated by regulatory labeling and vary by formulation, requiring strict adherence to temperature and container rules.

Detail Capsules Oral Suspension (Reconstituted)
Temperature Controlled Room Temperature: 20 C to 25 C. Controlled Room Temperature: 20 C to 25 C.
Stability Limit N/A Stable for 10 days, after which unused liquid must be discarded.
Container Rule Keep in original container, tightly closed. Keep in original container, tightly closed; shake well before each use.

All forms must be protected from excess heat and moisture and stored out of the reach and sight of children. Disposal of expired or unused product should be conducted through an official drug take-back program or by mixing it with an undesirable substance for placement in the household trash. The product must not be flushed down the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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