Brand names: Omnicef®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Cefdinir capsules (below)
- Cefdinir Oral suspension
- Cefdinir Oral capsule
Cefdinir capsules
What are cefdinir capsules?
CEFDINIR (Omnicef®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, respiratory tract, sinuses, ears, and urinary tract. Generic cefdinir capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding problems
• kidney disease
• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefdinir, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take cefdinir capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. You can take cefdinir with or without food. If cefdinir upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with cefdinir?
• other antibiotics
• probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking cefdinir?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
If you are diabetic, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from taking cefdinir?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe or watery diarrhea
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• swelling of the lips, tongue or face
• swollen joints
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vaginal itching
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation, diarrhea, or other stool changes
• dizziness or drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
