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Generic Name: cefdinir (SEF dih neer)
Brand Names: Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac

What is cefdinir?

Cefdinir is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Cefdinir is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, tonsillitis, ear infections, and skin infections.

Cefdinir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about cefdinir?

Take all of the cefdinir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of cefdinir. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of cefdinir to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic. The cefdinir suspension can be safely administered with iron-fortified infant formula.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefdinir?

Do not take cefdinir if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.

Before taking cefdinir, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease, or

• a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.

You may not be able to take cefdinir, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

The cefdinir oral suspension contains 2.86 g of sucrose per teaspoon. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.

Cefdinir is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking cefdinir if you are pregnant. Cefdinir has not been reported to pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking cefdinir if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cefdinir?

Take cefdinir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.

Cefdinir can be taken with or without food.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of cefdinir. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of cefdinir to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic. The cefdinir suspension can be safely administered with iron-fortified infant formula. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of cefdinir with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

Take cefdinir at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body.

Take all of the cefdinir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store the capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The suspension can be stored at room temperature (or refrigerated) for 10 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a cefdinir overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking cefdinir?

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of cefdinir. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of cefdinir to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Cefdinir side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cefdinir and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);

• rash, redness, or itching;

• seizures;

• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• mucous or blood in the stool; or

• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cefdinir and talk to your doctor if you experience

• mild nausea or diarrhea, or

• a yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cefdinir?

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of cefdinir. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of cefdinir to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic. The cefdinir suspension can be safely administered with iron-fortified infant formula.

Before taking cefdinir, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines

• probenecid (Benemid), or

• another antibiotic.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cefdinir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about cefdinir written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Cefdinir is available with a prescription under the brand name Omnicef. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Omnicef 300 mg-lavender and turquoise capsules

• Omnicef Oral Suspension 125 mg/5 mL-strawberry flavored, cream colored liquid

• 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.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:07:17 PM.