OMNICEF

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

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

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

Important information

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

Before taking Omnicef, 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 Omnicef 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. Omnicef 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 Omnicef and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Omnicef 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 Omnicef, 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).

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. It is not known whether cefdinir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Omnicef without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Omnicef liquid contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefdinir if you have diabetes.

Omnicef side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Omnicef: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fever, weakness, confusion;
• dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• kidney problems – little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Omnicef side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• headache; or
• rash (including diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefdinir.