Omnicef

Generic name: Cefdinir

What is Omnicef?

Omnicef is an antibiotic used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, tonsillitis, ear infections, and skin infections.

What is the most important information I should know about Omnicef?

Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. However, you still have to take all of the Omnicef that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of your treatment and increase the likelihood the bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Omnicef or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum and iron supplements, including multivitamins that contain iron, interfere with the effectiveness of Omnicef. If you are required to take these products, you should take Omnicef at least 2 hours before or after taking them. The only exception to this rule is the iron-fortified infant formula.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. If you develop watery and bloody stools, with our without stomach cramps, and fever; contact your doctor right away.

Omnicef suspension contains 2.86 grams of sugar per teaspoonful. If a child is diabetic, this could cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

Who should not take Omnicef?

If you've ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic, you should not take Omnicef. Note, too, that if you are allergic to penicillin, you may also be allergic to cephalosporins. The reaction can be extremely severe. Be sure to let the doctor know about any allergies you may have.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Omnicef?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Omnicef. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have colitis (inflammation of the bowel), diabetes, kidney problems, or seizures.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Flare-ups of Chronic Bronchitis

Adults and adolescents 13 years and older: The usual starting dose is 300 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg once a day for 10 days.

Middle Ear Infections

Children 6 months to 12 years old: The usual starting dose is 7 mg per 2.2 pounds every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 14 mg per 2.2 pounds once a day for 10 days.

Pneumonia

Adults and adolescents 13 years and older: The usual starting dose is 300 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.

Sinus Infections

Adults and adolescents 13 years and older: The usual starting dose is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once a day for 10 days.

Children 6 months to 12 years old: The usual starting dose is 7 mg per 2.2 pounds every 12 hours or 14 mg per 2.2 pounds once a day for 10 days.

Skin Infections Adults and adolescents 13 years and older: The usual starting dose is 300 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.

Children 6 months to 12 years old: The usual starting dose is 7 mg per 2.2 pounds every 12 hours for 10 days.

Throat and Tonsil Infections

Adults and adolescents 13 years and older: The usual starting dose is 300 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg once a day for 10 days.

Children 6 months to 12 years old: The usual starting dose is 7 mg per 2.2 pounds every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 14 mg per 2.2 pounds once a day for 10 days.

The maximum daily dose is 600 milligrams (mg), regardless of the infection.

The dose of Omnicef Suspension is based on body weight. The suspension contains 125 mg per teaspoonful (5 ml). Dosage should never exceed 600 mg or 24 ml daily.

If you have kidney problems, your doctor will lower the dosage.

How should I take Omnicef?

Shake the oral suspension thoroughly before each use. The drug can be taken with or without food. Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.

Be sure to finish your entire prescription, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the drug too soon, some germs may survive and cause a relapse.

What should I avoid while taking Omnicef?

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Omnicef?

If Omnicef is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Omnicef with any of the following: antacids, iron supplements, multivitamins containing iron, and probenecid.

The combination of iron and Omnicef sometimes turns the stool red. This is not a cause for concern.

What are the possible side effects of Omnicef?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Capsules: Diarrhea, nausea, vaginal infection;

Suspension: Diarrhea, rash

Can I receive Omnicef if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Omnicef during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Omnicef?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

How should I store Omnicef?

Capsules can be stored at room temperature. The suspension can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 days, after which any unused portion must be thrown away.