Omnicef Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Omnicef Capsule contains cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as lung, throat, ear, sinus, and skin infections, and acute bronchitis. It works by killing bacteria and will not work against viral infections like colds or the flu. It is available as capsules and oral liquid suspensions.

What is Omnicef Capsule

Omnicef (cefdinir) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. It will not work for viral infections such as colds or the flu.

Omnicef Capsule uses

• Lung infections, such as pneumonia
• Throat or tonsil infections
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Bronchitis (acute worsening of chronic bronchitis)
• Skin or related tissue infections

Benefits of Omnicef Capsule

Omnicef treats many different types of bacterial infections by killing the bacteria that cause them.

How Omnicef Capsule works

Cefdinir kills certain bacteria by stopping them from being able to build their cell wall.

Omnicef Capsule dosage

You may take Omnicef with or without food. Shake the oral liquid well before you measure each dose. Use an accurate measuring device, such as the dosing syringe provided, to measure liquid doses. Do not use a household or kitchen spoon.

If you take antacids or iron supplements, take Omnicef at least two hours before or after these things. Use Omnicef for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Do not stop early. Do not share Omnicef with other people, even if they have the same condition. Take it only if it has been prescribed to you, and take it as prescribed.

Available forms and strengths

• 300 mg oral capsule
• 125 mg/5 mL oral suspension (liquid)
• 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension (liquid)

Side effects of Omnicef Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Vaginal yeast infection, itching, or discharge
• Vaginal pain
• Rash (including diaper rash in an infant taking the liquid)
• Headache

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, wheezing, racing heart, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, or hives
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), such as painful red or purple skin that peels, blisters, or red painful watery eyes
• Seizures
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea from C. difficile, with watery or bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and fever (may occur even up to two months after stopping)
• Liver damage, with symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stool, or unusual tiredness
• Kidney damage, with symptoms such as reduced need to pee, swelling in feet or ankles, or confusion
• Blood disorders, with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual weakness

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to cefdinir or to any cephalosporin antibiotic. If you have a history of penicillin allergy, use caution, because a cross-reaction can happen in up to 10% of people with a penicillin allergy.
• Omnicef will not work for viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or coronavirus. Taking an antibiotic when it is not needed may make it less able to work against bacterial infections in the future.
• A serious bowel condition (pseudomembranous colitis) has been reported with nearly all antibiotics, including Omnicef, and can range from mild to life-threatening. Consider this if you get diarrhea after taking the antibiotic.
• The liquid form contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form if you have diabetes.
• It is not known if or how Omnicef could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant so they can advise you.
• It is not known if Omnicef passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed so they can advise you.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis. In people with markedly reduced kidney function the dose may need to be lowered because the medicine can build up in the body.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems. Liver damage can happen while taking Omnicef, so watch for symptoms such as jaundice.
• It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Omnicef, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Storage

• Store the capsules at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It can be exposed to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for shorter periods, such as when transporting it.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat.
• Protect the capsules from light.
• Store the oral liquid at room temperature, 77°F (25°C), and keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused liquid after ten days.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, racing heart, or hives.
• Stop taking Omnicef and get emergency help right away if you have a severe skin reaction, such as painful red or purple skin that peels, blisters, or red, painful, watery eyes.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have watery or bloody diarrhea, which can happen even months after your last dose.
• Stop taking Omnicef and call your healthcare provider if you have signs of a seizure, such as muscle twitching, jerking, stiffening of your arms and legs, or losing consciousness.
• If you or someone else has taken too much Omnicef, get medical help right away or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, or a seizure.

Alternatives

• Cefadroxil
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
• Azithromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Doxycycline
• Clindamycin
• Ceftriaxone