Omnicef: Potent Cephalosporin Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections
Omnicef
| Product dosage: 300mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 180 | $3.12
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Synonyms | |||
Omnicef (cefdinir) is a broad-spectrum, third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections. It functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. This medication is indicated for a range of community-acquired infections, offering a convenient once or twice-daily dosing regimen that supports patient adherence. Its spectrum of activity covers many common pathogens responsible for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections.
Features
- Active ingredient: Cefdinir 300 mg capsules or 125 mg/5 mL oral suspension
- Drug class: Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
- Mechanism: Bactericidal; inhibits cell wall synthesis
- Administration: Oral formulation
- Dosing frequency: Typically once or twice daily
- Spectrum: Effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Benefits
- Provides broad-spectrum coverage against common community-acquired pathogens
- Offers convenient dosing schedule to improve treatment compliance
- Demonstrates high clinical efficacy in eradicating susceptible bacterial infections
- Features good tissue penetration at infection sites
- Available in both capsule and suspension formulations for pediatric and adult patients
- Generally well-tolerated with a established safety profile
Common use
Omnicef is commonly prescribed for bacterial infections including acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and acute bacterial otitis media. It is particularly effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only).
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage for adults and adolescents (13 years and older) is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days depending on the infection being treated. For pediatric patients 6 months through 12 years, the recommended dose is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily. The oral suspension should be shaken well before each use. Omnicef may be taken with or without food; however, administration with food may improve tolerability if gastrointestinal upset occurs.
Precautions
Patients should complete the entire course of therapy even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (dosage adjustment required for creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). May cause antibiotic-associated colitis, which can range from mild to life-threatening. Use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection. False-positive reactions for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests.
Contraindications
Omnicef is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefdinir, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation. Cross-hypersensitivity may occur in patients with penicillin allergy; caution is advised in patients with history of hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Not recommended for patients with known anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions include diarrhea (up to 8%), nausea (3%), vaginal moniliasis (3%), headache (2%), and abdominal pain (1%). Less frequent side effects may include rash, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence, and dizziness. Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include severe diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing of skin/eyes, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems, and severe skin reactions.
Drug interaction
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum and iron supplements may decrease cefdinir absorption; separate administration by at least 2 hours. Probenecid may increase and prolong cefdinir blood levels. May reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives; recommend additional contraceptive methods during therapy. False-positive urine glucose tests may occur with Benedict’s or Fehling’s solution. No significant interaction with warfarin observed in clinical studies, but monitoring is recommended.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintaining consistent blood levels is important for optimal antibacterial efficacy.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion. Cefdinir is not significantly removed by hemodialysis. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, and diarrhea. Serum levels can be measured if necessary, but there is no specific antidote for cefdinir overdose.
Storage
Store capsules at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in a tight container. Keep oral suspension refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) and discard any unused portion after 10 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the oral suspension. Protect from light and moisture.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medication. The prescribing physician should be aware of the patient’s complete medical history, current medications, and potential allergies. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific infection, pathogen susceptibility, and patient factors.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Omnicef’s efficacy with bacterial eradication rates exceeding 85% for respiratory tract infections and 90% for skin and soft tissue infections. Physicians report good patient compliance due to the convenient dosing schedule and generally favorable side effect profile. Some clinicians note the advantage of once-daily dosing for certain indications compared to other cephalosporins requiring more frequent administration. The strawberry-flavored suspension is generally well-accepted by pediatric patients. Monitoring of renal function is recommended in patients with pre-existing kidney impairment.