WHAT IS Omnicef/Cefdinir?

CEFDINIR/Omnicef is an antibiotic. It is used to treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, sinuses, ears, tonsils, and urinary tract. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Omnicef/Cefdinir?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Omnicef/Cefdinir?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach it may help to take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Finish all the medicine you are prescribed even if you think your infection is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Omnicef/Cefdinir?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better in a few days.

If you are diabetic you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Omnicef/Cefdinir?

• antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
• iron supplements
• probenecid/Benemid
• other antibiotics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Omnicef/Cefdinir?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fever or chills
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• severe or watery diarrhea
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• sore throat
• breathing problems
• unusually weak or tired
• swollen joints
• seizures
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• vaginal itching
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• headache
• gas or heartburn
• constipation
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Omnicef/Cefdinir?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• stomach or intestine problems (especially colitis)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefdinir/Omnicef , other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives
• kidney disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• bleeding problems
• breast-feeding

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.