Drug Name

Omnicef (Cefdinir)

Drug Uses

Omnicef is effective against susceptible bacteria causing infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsils (tonsillitis ), throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), and skin and other soft tissues.

How to use

Omnicef is taken once or twice daily, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. The capsules or suspension can be taken with or without food. Patients with advanced renal disease may need to take lower doses to prevent accumulation of cefdinir since it is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. For adult infections the usual dose is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg per day for 5-10 days depending on the nature and severity of the infection. The recommended dose for children 6 months to 12 years of age is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg per day for 5-10 days depending on the infection. For most infections once daily dosing is as effective as twice daily dosing, though once daily dosing has not been evaluated for the treatment of skin infections or pneumonia.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Omnicef is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil and many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins cefdinir stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria 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 very wide spectrum of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat); Hemophilus influenzae; Moraxella catarrhalis; E. coli ; Klebsiella; and Proteus mirabilis. It is not active against Pseudomonas. Therapeutic uses of cefdinir include otitis media (infections of the middle ear), infections of soft tissues, and respiratory tract infections. It was approved by the FDA in December of 1997.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 4 hours. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture . Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication infrequently produces very serious, new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats only. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before taking Rythmol SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: asthma, emphysema/bronchitis along with asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or any conduction/sinus node problems, very slow heartbeat), untreated blood mineral imbalance (electrolyte imbalance), very low blood pressure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems. If you have an artificial heart pacemaker, Rythmol SR may alter its function (both sensing and pacing). Consult your doctor for more details. If you are scheduled for dental or medical procedures, inform your doctor/dentist you use this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or changes in sleep habits may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Other side effects include muscle aches, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, chills. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG, pacemaker testing if applicable) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Keep all scheduled appointments and doctor visits.