Omnicef

Generic Name: cefdinir (SEF dih neer)
Brand Names: Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac

What is Omnicef?

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Omnicef is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Omnicef is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, middle ear infections, throat and tonsil infections, pneumonia, sinus infections and skin infections.

Omnicef may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Omnicef

Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Omnicef will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Before taking Omnicef?

Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

cefaclor (Raniclor);
cefadroxil (Duricef);
cefazolin (Ancef);
cefditoren (Spectracef);
cefpodoxime (Vantin);
cefprozil (Cefzil);
ceftibuten (Cedax);
cefuroxime (Ceftin);
cephalexin (Keflex); or
cephradine (Velosef); and others.

Before taking Omnicef, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Omnicef.

FDA pregnancy category B. Omnicef is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Omnicef may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Omnicef without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The Omnicef suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Omnicef if you have diabetes.

How should I take Omnicef?

Take Omnicef exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take this medication with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Omnicef.

Take Omnicef for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Omnicef will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store Omnicef oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Omnicef?

Avoid using antacids or mineral supplements that contain iron within 2 hours before or after taking Omnicef. Antacids or iron can make it harder for your body to absorb Omnicef.

Omnicef side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
chest pain;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
unusual bleeding;
seizure (convulsions);
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious Omnicef side effects may include:

constipation, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, upset stomach;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;
headache, dizziness;
stiff or tight muscles;
feeling restless or hyperactive;
dry mouth;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
diaper rash in an infant taking liquid Omnicef;
mild itching or skin rash; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Omnicef?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

probenecid (Benemid); or
vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Omnicef. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Omnicef.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Omnicef only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.