Generic Omnicef (Cefdinir)

Description

Common use

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.

Dosage and direction

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.

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.

Precautions

Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics. 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.

Contraindications

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.

Possible 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.

Drug interaction

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

probenecid (Benemid); or

vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron.

Missed 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.

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.

Storage

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.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.