Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: CEFDINIR - ORAL SUSPENSION (SEFF-dih-neer)

BRAND NAME(S): Omnicef

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, ear infections and skin infections.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, a directed. Shake the liquid suspension well before each use. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. Avoid taking antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, iron preparations or vitamin/mineral products within 2 hours of taking this medication. These products may bind with the medicine and prevent its absorption.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: white patches in the mouth, unusual vaginal discharge or itching. Very unlikely but report promptly: changes in amount or color of urine, stomach pain, persistent fever, easy bruising, unusual fatigue, seizures. May cause reddish discoloration of stools. This is harmless. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefuroxime), bowel disease (colitis), kidney disease. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This medicine contains sugar which may increase blood sugar levels in diabetics. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. In a small test, cefdinir was not shown to be excreted into breast milk. However, other drugs related to cefdinir are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.