Warnings & Recalls for Omnicef
Omnicef Safety Labeling Changes
In
December of 2008, the FDA approved safety labeling changes for Omnicef medicines. The revisions included a warning regarding the
possible development of Colostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) or persistent diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
Omnicef and Pregnancy
Omnicef has been labelled by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a
pregnancy Category B medication. Omnicef is
not known to cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. It is unknown if Omnicef passes through the breast-milk or may harm a nursing baby.
If you are
pregnant,
breastfeeding or
may become pregnant consult your doctor before taking Omnicef.
General Warnings
If you are
allergic to any other drugs containing Cefdinir,
do not use Omnicef.
To be sure that you may safely use Omnicef,
let your doctor know about any of the following you may have:
- kidney disease or failure (or if you are currently on dialysis)
- any intestinal problems you have ever had
- allergies, especially to antibiotics or penicillin drugs
Treatment with Omnicef may cause
inaccurate results in some medical tests such as urine sugar (glucose) tests.
Omnicef Treatment and Use
Omnicef | Cefdinir is a cephalosporine antibiotic medicine that has been marketed by Abbott Laboratories for the treatment of various bacterial infections. Omnicef was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Deceber 1998, and may be prescribed to treat the following conditions:
- lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- strep throat or tonsillitis
- ear infections
- sinusitis
- skin infections
- infections caused by the E. Coli virus.
Omnicef is not a treatment for the common cold.
Omnicef does not treat infections caused by Pseudomonas. Ask your doctor if Omnicef is right for you.
How Does Omnicef Work?
Omnicef works by disrupting the formation of cell walls in bacteria. Without these walls, bacteria can no longer multiply or grow. This prevents further spread and multiplication of the infection.
Omnicef Dosage Information
Omnicef comes in tablet form in 300 mg doses or liquid (oral suspension) form in 125 and 250 mg/5mL. Dose amount and treatment length depend on the patient’s medical condition and infection. Typically, Omnicef is prescribed to be taken once or twice each day with a full glass of water. Omnicef may be taken with or without food.
For adults treating an infection, Omnicef is normally taken:
- in 300 mg doses once every 12 hours
- or in 600 mg doses once each day
- for 5 to 10 days until the infection is treated
To treat infections in patients between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old, Omnicef should be administered as:
- 7 mg/kg every 12 hours (twice a day)
- or 14 mg/kg once each day
- for a total of 5 to 10 days depending on the infection
Do not stop taking Omnicef unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Doing so may cause the infection to return or grow resistant to the medicine.
