Omnicef (Cefdinir): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

What Is Omnicef?

Omnicef (cefdinir) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. The brand name Omnicef is discontinued in the U.S. Omnicef is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Omnicef?

Common side effects of Omnicef include:

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

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Omnicef including watery or bloody diarrhea, chest pain, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, unusual bleeding, seizures (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; increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Omnicef

The recommended dosage of cefdinir for infections in adults and adolescents ranges from 300 mg to 600 mg, taken either once or twice daily. Duration of treatment ranges from 5 to 10 days.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Omnicef?

Cefdinir may interact with probenecid, or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron. Other drugs may interact with cefdinir. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Omnicef During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cefdinir should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This drug does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Additional Information

Our Omnicef (cefdinir) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.