Omnicef
Cefdinir
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Omnicef
Omnicef is a semi synthetic (half natural and half synthesized in laboratory) oral antibiotic of a class known as cephalosporins. Omnicef stops bacterial multiplication (like other cephalosporins) by preventing bacteria from forming walls that surround them or cell wall. The cell wall is necessary for the bacteria to protect from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together (bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall). Omnicef is active against a wide spectrum of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of throat infection), Moraxella catarrhalis, Hemophilus influenzae, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis etc. Other cephalosporins include cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefixime (Suprax), cefpodoxime (Vantin) etc. USFDA approved Omnicef (Cefdinir) in December of 1997.
Therapeutic Uses of Omnicef
Omnicef is used in the treatment of bacterial infections, which are sensitive to it and includes infection of the middle ear known as otitis media, infections of tonsils (tonsillitis), larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), throat, skin and other soft tissues.
Direction of use of Omnicef
Omnicef is taken once or twice a day depending on the severity and nature of the infection. Omnicef capsules or suspension can be taken with food or on empty stomach. If you get any stomach upset, take it with food. Patients with advanced kidney disease need to adjust a reduced dose to prevent accumulation of Omnicef since it is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. For adults the usual dose is 300 mg two times a day or 600 mg once a day for 5 to 10 days depending on the nature and severity of the infection. For children 6 months to 12 years of age (below 6 months of it is not recommended), the recommended dose is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg per day for 5 to 10 days depending on the severity and nature of the infection. For most of the infections once daily dosing is as effective as twice daily dosing.
If You Miss a Dose of Omnicef
If you miss a dose of Omnicef, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember it after 4 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose for the missed dose.
How to Store Omnicef
Omnicef should be stored at temperature of 77 degree Fahrenheit or 25 degrees C. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) does not cause any harm. Store it away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not store Omnicef in your bathroom and keep it away from reach of children.
More Information About Omnicef
You need to check your pulse everyday and you should learn how to check your own pulse rate while taking Omnicef. Laboratory and medical tests like ECG should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question about Omnicef.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Omnicef
- Do not take Omnicef if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Omnicef may cause drowsiness or dizziness. You should not drive or perform any work that is risky and require constant monitoring and attention. If you take alcohol or certain other medications with Omnicef, it may cause increased drowsiness and dizziness. You should use Omnicef cautiously.
- If you are women and pregnant you should not take Omnicef as it may cause harm to the growing fetus. It should only be used if it is clearly indicated during pregnancy. Omnicef should not be used if you are breast feeding your baby as it may harm the baby.
- Omnicef is not recommended in children below 6 months of age. If you are using Omnicef in children use extreme caution as they may have more serious side effects.
- Use Omnicef with caution in elderly patients as they may be more sensitive to it and develop more side effects.
- Some lab tests and medical tests should be performed while taking Omnicef to monitor the progress and also to check the development of side effects.
- If you use Omnicef for prolonged period and repeatedly, bacteria may develop resistant to this medicine and it will become difficult to treat the infection. You should also take this medicine for the full course for treatment and do not stop it after taking few days even if you feel better, as it may cause development of resistance.
Possible Adverse Effects of Omnicef
- Mild and common side effects of Omnicef are nausea, mild vomiting, headache, heartburn, gas in stomach, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, changes in sleep pattern etc. and all these may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other mild and common side-effects of Omnicef are muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of the above mild and common side effects become persistent or troublesome you should consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get any serious side effects like chest pain, blurring of vision, unusual bleeding and/or bruising, skin rash, chills etc.
- Get prompt medical attention if you experience any serious side effects like signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat), sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles and/or feet, difficulty in breathing, unusually fast heartbeat, slow heartbeat or irregular heartbeat.
- If you experience any side effect that is not included in the list above, you should consult your doctor immediately.