In this Article

• What is cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• What are the possible side effects of cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• How should I take cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Omnicef)?
• What happens if I overdose (Omnicef)?
• What should I avoid while taking cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• What other drugs will affect cefdinir (Omnicef)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

Do not take this medication 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 cefdinir, 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).

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.

It is not known whether cefdinir passes into breast milk or if it 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.

How should I take cefdinir (Omnicef)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 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 this medication 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. Cefdinir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused cefdinir liquid that is older than 10 days.