cefdinir

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Pronunciation: SEF dih neer

Brand: Omnicef, Omnicef Omni-Pac

Cefdinir 300 mg-TEV

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capsule, green/purple, imprinted with 93 3160

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Omnicef 300 mg

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capsule, blue/turquoise, imprinted with OMNICEF 300, a

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What is the most important information I should know about cefdinir?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefdinir, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

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.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking cefdinir and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What is cefdinir?

Cefdinir is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefdinir is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefdinir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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?

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.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking cefdinir?

Avoid using antacids or mineral supplements that contain iron within 2 hours before or after taking cefdinir. Antacids or iron can make it harder for your body to absorb cefdinir. This does not include baby formula fortified with iron.

Taking cefdinir with products that contain iron may cause your stools (bowel movements) to appear red in color. If this discoloration looks like blood in your stools, call your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of cefdinir?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
chest pain;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
unusual bleeding;
seizure (convulsions);
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
headache, dizziness;
diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefdinir;
mild itching or skin rash; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cefdinir?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

probenecid (Benemid); or
vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with cefdinir. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefdinir.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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