Common uses

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.

Before using

Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefixime (Suprax);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftazidime (Fortaz);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.
Before taking Omnicef, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins, or if you have an intestinal disorder such as colitis.
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.

Directions

Take this medication 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 unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefdinir.
Take cefdinir for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefdinir 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 the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Cautions

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.
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.

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;
• fever, sore throat, and joint pain with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• chest pain, shortness of breath.
Less serious side effects may include:
• mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
• anxiety, drowsiness;
• increased night-time urination;
• headache;
• runny nose, sore throat, cough; 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.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach, pain, or diarrhea.

Additional information

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Cedax, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin).
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefdinir 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.

Drug interactions

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 cefdinir. 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.