Generic Name: cefdinir (SEF dih neer)Brand Names: 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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 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.
cefaclor (Raniclor);
cefadroxil (Duricef);
cefazolin (Ancef);
cefditoren (Spectracef);
cefpodoxime (Vantin);
cefprozil (Cefzil);
ceftibuten (Cedax);
cefuroxime (Ceftin);
cephalexin (Keflex); or
cephradine (Velosef); and others.
Before taking cefdinir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:
a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cefdinir.
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. Cefdinir may pass into breast milk and 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.
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 false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) 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 cefdinir oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.See also: Cefdinir dosage in more detail
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
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.
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:
constipation, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, upset stomach;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;
headache, dizziness;
stiff or tight muscles;
feeling restless or hyperactive;
dry mouth;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
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.
Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:
Community acquired: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days
Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis:
Acute maxillary sinusitis: 300 mg orally every 12 hours or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:
Uncomplicated: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days
Usual Adult Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:
300 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:
Community acquired:13 years or older: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bronchitis:
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis:13 years or older: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media:
Acute bacterial otitis media:6 months through 12 years: 7 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 14 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for 10 daysMaximum dose: 600 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:
6 months through 12 years: 7 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 14 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for 10 daysMaximum dose: 600 mg/day13 years or older: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinusitis:
Acute maxillary sinusitis:6 months through 12 years: 7 mg/kg orally every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for 10 daysMaximum dose: 600 mg/day13 years or older: 300 mg orally every 12 hours or 600 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
Uncomplicated:6 months through 12 years: 7 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10 daysMaximum dose: 600 mg/day13 years or older: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days
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.