Omnicef
® (
cefdinir) is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common bacterial infections.
Some infections that Omnicef is used to treat include:
Omnicef is part of a class of drugs called cephalosporins. It prevents bacteria from making and maintaining their cell wall. Without a cell wall, bacteria are vulnerable and ultimately perish.
By affecting the cell wall of bacteria, Omnicef keeps bacteria from thriving and causing infection in the body.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take Omnicef include the following:
- The medication comes as a capsule or suspension (liquid). It is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
- Make sure to shake Omnicef suspension well just before each dose.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed.
- Make sure that you complete your entire prescription, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
Dietary Instructions With Omnicef
There are no dietary restrictions with Omnicef. It can be taken with or without food. If you have an upset stomach while taking it, try taking it with food or milk. Diabetics should be aware that the liquid form does contain a fair amount of sugar (2.86g/5mL sucrose).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Your age
- If you have decreased kidney function
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Omnicef. Not everyone who takes the medication, however, will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects with Omnicef include but are not limited to:
Serious side effects can also occur, but these are less common.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
- Have kidney disease or kidney failure
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any allergies to Omnicef, to other cephalosporins, to penicillin, or to other types of antibiotics.
Also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Omnicef?
People who take too much Omnicef may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Omnicef capsules and suspension (liquid) should be stored at room temperature. They should be kept protected from light, heat, and moisture.
Keep Omnicef and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Omnicef, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose!
Omnicef comes in a number of strengths, depending on the form.
Omnicef capsules are supplied as Omnicef 300 mg. The suspension (liquid) form comes in two strengths:
- Omnicef oral suspension 125 mg/5 mL -- each teaspoon (5 mL) containing 125 mg of Omnicef
- Omnicef oral suspension 250 mg/5 mL -- each teaspoon (5 mL) containing 250 mg of Omnicef.
Omnicef is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Several different manufacturers make generic versions of Omnicef
(see Generic Omnicef).
