Omnicef (cefdinir) is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.
Omnicef is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Omnicef may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.
Before taking Omnicef, 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 Omnicef for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. 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 bloody, stop taking Omnicef and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
To make sure you can safely take Omnicef, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
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if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins).
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. It is not known whether cefdinir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Omnicef without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
The Omnicef suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefdinir if you have diabetes.
How should I take Omnicef?
Take Omnicef exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may take Omnicef 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.
Omnicef 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 cefdinir.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cefdinir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store Omnicef at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid that is older than 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Omnicef and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
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. This does not include baby formula fortified with iron.
Taking Omnicef with products that contain iron may cause your stools (bowel movements) to appear red in color. If this discoloration looks like blood in your stools, call your doctor.
Omnicef side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Omnicef: 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:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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chest pain;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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unusual bleeding;
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seizure (convulsions);
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pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
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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:
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nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
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headache, dizziness;
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diaper rash in an infant taking liquid Omnicef;
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mild itching or skin rash; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Omnicef?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Omnicef. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
