Omnicef

Omnicef

     * Generic Name: cefdinir
     * Brand Name: Omnicef


     * What is cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What are the possible side effects of cefdinir (Omnicef,
       Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * How should I take cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
     * What should I avoid while taking cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef
       Omni-Pac)?
     * What other drugs will affect cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef
       Omni-Pac)?
     * Where can I get more information (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

What is cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   Cefdinir is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor
   in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

   Cefdinir is used to treat many different types of infections caused by
   bacteria.

   Cefdinir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   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;
     * chest pain;
     * fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
     * unusual bleeding;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or
       weakness;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
       peeling, and red skin rash; or
     * increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight
       gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at
       all.

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
     * headache, dizziness;
     * diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefdinir;
     * mild itching or skin rash; 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. You may report
   side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about cefdinir (Omnicef,
Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to
   similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and
   others.

   Before taking this medication, 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 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.

   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 cefdinir and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine
   unless your doctor tells you to.

   Omnicef Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefdinir
(Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir or to other
   cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
     * cefaclor (Raniclor);
     * cefadroxil (Duricef);
     * cefazolin (Ancef);
     * cefditoren (Spectracef);
     * cefpodoxime (Vantin);
     * cefprozil (Cefzil);
     * ceftibuten (Cedax);
     * cefuroxime (Ceftin);
     * cephalexin (Keflex); or
     * cephradine (Velosef); and others.

   To make sure you can safely take cefdinir, tell your doctor if you have
   any of these other conditions:
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
     * a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
     * if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins).

   FDA pregnancy category B. This medication 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 this medication without telling your
   doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   The cefdinir suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor
   before using this form of cefdinir if you have diabetes.

How should I take cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   Take 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 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 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any
   unused cefdinir liquid that is older than 10 days.

   Omnicef Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   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 (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   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 while taking cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   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
   cefdinir 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 cefdinir. Antacids or iron can
   make it harder for your body to absorb cefdinir. This does not
   include baby formula fortified with iron.

   Taking cefdinir 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.

What other drugs will affect cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   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 other drugs may interact with cefdinir.
   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.

Where can I get more information (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefdinir.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Comments