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Omnicef

Omnicef is prescribed for the treatment of common bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. It works by preventing bacteria from making and maintaining their cell wall -- this eventually kills the bacteria and keeps the infection from spreading in the body. Omnicef comes in capsule or liquid form, and is typically taken once or twice a day.

 

What Is Omnicef?

Omnicef® (cefdinir) is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common bacterial infections.
 

What Is Omnicef Used For?

Some infections that Omnicef is used to treat include:
 
  • Bronchitis
  • Middle ear infection (otitis media)
  • Sinus infection (sinusitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • Skin infection (cellulitis)
  • Tonsillitis
  • Throat infection (strep throat).
     
(Click Omnicef Uses for more information.)
 
Omnicef is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.
 

How Does Omnicef Work?

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.
 

Effects of Omnicef

By affecting the cell wall of bacteria, Omnicef keeps bacteria from thriving and causing infection in the body.
 

When and How Do I Take Omnicef?

General considerations for when and how to take Omnicef include the following:
 
  • Omnicef 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.
  • Omnicef should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
  • For Omnicef to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed.
  • Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of Omnicef, 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 suffer from an upset stomach while taking Omnicef, 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).
 

Dosing Information for Omnicef

The dose of Omnicef 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.
 
(Click Omnicef Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects With Omnicef

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.
 
(Click Omnicef Side Effects to learn more.)
 

Drug Interactions With Omnicef

Omnicef can potentially interact with a number of medicines(see Omnicef Drug Interactions).
 

Omnicef: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking Omnicef 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.
 
(Click Omnicef Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

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 on Omnicef, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Omnicef Be Stored?

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 of Omnicef?

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!
 

Strengths of Omnicef

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.
     

Who Makes Omnicef?

Omnicef is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Several different manufacturers make generic versions of Omnicef (see Generic Omnicef).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;