Brand Names: Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac
Generic Name: cefdinir
- 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 a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that 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 signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
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 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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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 medicine if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefdinir or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefadroxil, cefprozil, cefazolin, cefalexin, Keflex, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
- an allergy to any drugs (especially penicillins).
Cefdinir liquid contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefdinir if you have diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You may take cefdinir with or without food.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefdinir will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Cefdinir can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefdinir.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused cefdinir liquid that is older than 10 days.

SLIDESHOW
Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See SlideshowWhat happens if I miss a dose (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
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, diarrhea, or a seizure.
What should I avoid while taking cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
Avoid using antacids or mineral supplements that contain aluminum, magnesium, or 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.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
What other drugs will affect cefdinir (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- probenecid; or
- vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect cefdinir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information (Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefdinir.
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