Cefdinir-Induced Altered Mental Status

Clinical Presentation and Recognition

Altered mental status is recognized as a sign of catheter-associated UTI in patients treated with antibiotics including cephalosporins, such as cefdinir, in the European Urology guidelines 1
Advanced age is a risk factor that may increase the likelihood of experiencing altered mental status with cefdinir, according to the American College of Radiology 2
Altered mental status associated with cefdinir may present as confusion or disorientation, lethargy or drowsiness, changes in behavior or personality, in patients taking cefdinir, as noted by the American College of Radiology 2
Decreased level of consciousness is a symptom of altered mental status associated with cefdinir, as reported in Clinical Infectious Diseases 3

Consider alternative antibiotic therapy based on the infection being treated if cefdinir is suspected to cause altered mental status, as recommended by the European Urology guidelines 1
A thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out other potential causes of altered mental status, such as infection progression, other medications, or metabolic derangements, as suggested by the American College of Radiology 2