Omnicef (Cefdinir)

General information

Omnicef is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (common cold, flu). Omnicef is used to treat bronchitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), sinus infection (sinusitis), pneumonia, skin infection (cellulitis), tonsillitis, throat infection (strep throat).

Directions

Take Omnicef exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dosage for most types of bacterial infections is 300 mg, taken twice daily for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg, taken once daily for 10 days. Do not take more than the maximum recommended amount of 600 mg per day. In children ages 6 months to 12 years, your doctor will prescribe Omnicef based on a weight chart. The dosing can range, depending on body weight, from 7 mg/kg, taken twice a day, or 14 mg/kg, taken once a day, for 5 to 10 days. It can be taken with or without food. Omnicef should be taken at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before taking Omnicef you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, intestinal disease (colitis), any allergies. Avoid using antacids or mineral supplements that contain iron within 2 hours before or after taking cefdinir. Antacids or iron can make it harder for your body to absorb cefdinir.

Contraindications

You should not take Omnicef if you are allergic to it, cefdinir, related medicines, or any inactive ingredients of the medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have watery or bloody diarrhea, chest pain, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, unusual bleeding, seizure, convulsions, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), sore throat, headache, red skin rash, increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual, constipation, bloating, gas, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tight muscles, dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth, vaginal itching or discharge. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: probenecid, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements (including multivitamins). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are severe vomiting, seizures, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.