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What is Omnicef
CefdinirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryOmnicef (cefdinir) is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the ear, sinus, throat, lungs, and skin. It belongs to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics and was approved by the FDA in 1997. Omnicef is effective against bacteria that are resistant to other types of antibiotics due to their production of beta-lactamase enzymes.
Omnicefis the brand name
Omnicef Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Omnicef
Cefdinir
1997
175
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Cefdinir, also known as Omnicef, is approved by the FDA for 17 uses including Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis .Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
acute otitis media caused by S.pneumoniae
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by streptococcus pyogenes, staphylococcus aureus
Bronchitis
Bronchitis
Moraxella catarrhalis
Moraxella catarrhalis
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Community acquired pneumonia caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by M. catarrhalis
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Tonsillitis
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by H. influenzae
Effectiveness
How Omnicef Affects PatientsCefdinir is a type of medicine that kills bacteria and prevents them from multiplying. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including those that are resistant to other cephalosporins. Cefdinir works by stopping the bacteria from building their cell walls, which helps to stop them from spreading.
How Omnicef works in the bodyCefdinir attacks bacteria in a similar way to other beta-lactam antibiotics. It works by binding to proteins that help form the bacterial cell wall. By doing this, it interferes with the cell wall's formation, which leads to cell death. Cefdinir has a stronger effect than penicillin because it has a 6-member dihydrothiazine ring instead of the 5-member thiazolidine ring found in penicillin. This 6-member ring helps the drug resist inactivation by certain bacterial enzymes and binds to penicillin-binding proteins. In addition, cefdinir
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Omnicef is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Communicable Diseases, Bronchitis and Haemophilus parainfluenzae. The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the approach of delivering the drug (e.g. Capsule or Capsule - Oral) as outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Moraxella catarrhalis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Tonsillitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Tonsillitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by M. catarrhalis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by H. influenzae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
acute otitis media caused by S.pneumoniae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Moraxella catarrhalis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Haemophilus influenzae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Acute maxillary sinusitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Bronchitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Communicable Diseases
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Haemophilus influenzae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Community acquired pneumonia caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by streptococcus pyogenes, staphylococcus aureus
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Bronchitis
300.0 mg, , 125.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Warnings
Omnicef ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Cefdinir may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Omnicef Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Cefdinir.
Abacavir
Minor
Cefdinir may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Abciximab
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Abciximab can be decreased when used in combination with Cefdinir.
Aclidinium
Minor
Cefdinir may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Cefdinir may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Omnicef Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of cefdinir in rats has been found to be greater than 2000mg/kg. Research shows that a single dose of 5600mg/kg given orally did not cause any negative side effects. Other beta-lactam antibiotics can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and seizures when taken in excess.
Omnicef Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Omnicef?
Nine ongoing investigations are assessing the utility of Omnicef for the treatment of Tonsillitis, Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Communicable Diseases.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Tonsillitis
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Community acquired pneumonia caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
0 Actively Recruiting
acute otitis media caused by S.pneumoniae
0 Actively Recruiting
Bronchitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Moraxella catarrhalis
0 Actively Recruiting
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by H. influenzae
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
0 Actively Recruiting
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae
0 Actively Recruiting
Moraxella catarrhalis
0 Actively Recruiting
Haemophilus influenzae
0 Actively Recruiting
Tonsillitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Acute maxillary sinusitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by streptococcus pyogenes, staphylococcus aureus
0 Actively Recruiting
Moraxella catarrhalis
0 Actively Recruiting
Haemophilus influenzae
0 Actively Recruiting
Communicable Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by M. catarrhalis
0 Actively Recruiting
Omnicef Reviews: What are patients saying about Omnicef?
4Patient Review
9/26/2013 My daughter was given this drug after the 3rd ear infection. After the 1st does itself my baby got rashes all over the body. The doctor asked me to give for 1 more day. It made worse the next day. Tomorrow have to call the doctor and ask again.
3.7Patient Review
5/17/2016 My two year old daughter was diagnosed with a sinus infection and double ear infection and was put on cefdinir to treat these issues. After being on the medication for 5 days she started swelling all over and breaking out in a rash/hives. A trip to the ER told us she having an allergic reaction to the medication.
3.3Patient Review
11/16/2019 I was prescribed this for a UTI and, while it did clear up the infection after five days, I am now retaining urine and unable to urinate. On a catheter for a week to see if this gets resolved. Will not take this drug again; its listed side effects include decreased or inability to urinate.
3Patient Review
10/28/2013 My daughter had a double ear infection and was prescribed this medication. However, after 10 days of taking the medicine, she broke out in a rash with hives all over her body. I'm not sure if the two are related, but it's something to be aware of if you're considering this treatment for your child.
2.7Patient Review
6/15/2013 I tried this sinus infection medication today, and unfortunately it made me feel awful. I was in a lot of pain and felt nauseous. Definitely will not be recommending it to anyone.
2.7Patient Review
1/30/2014 My son is 13 and has taken this many times before with no problems. This time for strep,all was good till he finished the last dose. Slowly he started itching, which progressed to huge swollen hives and a sunburn looking rash on his head, legs, arms. It kept moving from place to place but stayed on his head. Also had painful joints. Now on Benadryl and steroids. I was relieved to find these reviews because it seems like others have had the same experience.
2.3Patient Review
10/7/2012 I'm starting to experience some serious side effects. My clothes are now tight because my body is swelling up. Is there any steroids in this medication?
2Patient Review
10/22/2012 My one year old daughter was given this medicine after Amoxicillin failed to treat her double ear infection. However, after only four days of taking the medication, she broke out in a terrible rash that covered her entire body. We took her to urgent care, but they simply told us to wait until Monday morning to see her regular doctor. In the meantime, she looks like she has a sunburn all over and is clearly very uncomfortable. Does anybody have any suggestions for how I can help ease her discomfort?
2Patient Review
1/15/2013 We tried this drug with our 11 month old son for his ear infections, but he broke out into hives after only two days. There are clearly better options out there.
1.7Patient Review
4/17/2014 I had an acute sinus infection and took Omnicef. However, after just two days of taking the medication, my Crohn's Disease (which had been in remission) suddenly became very active again. This antibiotic kills the normal bacteria in the bowel and causes big problems. I will never take this medication again; it is dangerous!
1.7Patient Review
9/30/20121Patient Review
6/7/2015 I think the company that now manufactures this drug has changed the recipe or something, because I took it a few years ago with no side effects whatsoever. This time, though, I developed new side effects every day until I had terrible diarrhea and had to stop taking the drug. F*** that drug company!
1Patient Review
5/15/2013 Absolutely do not give this to your children. Our six-year-old ended up in the hospital because of an allergic reaction that caused his entire body to swell up and break out into a rash.
1Patient Review
8/11/2019 My daughter took this medication and had an extremely negative reaction to it. She was in a lot of pain, nauseous, and vomiting within 30 minutes. She also had a fever and diarrhea. I would never let her take this again.
1Patient Review
4/4/2017 Unfortunately, I was only able to take this medication for a few days before encountering terrible gastrointestinal issues. After just three doses, I experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain, and general stomach discomfort.
Patient Q&A Section about omnicef
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Omnicef used to treat?
"It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu).
Cefdinir is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections such as the common cold or flu."
Answered by AI
Why was Omnicef discontinued?
"About 0.4% of patients had to stop taking cefdinir because they developed gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or nausea. 19 out of 5093 patients developed a rash that was possibly caused by the medication."
Answered by AI
Is Omnicef a strong antibiotic?
"Cefdinir is an effective antibiotic against a wide range of bacteria. However, there are other antibiotics that can treat more types of infections, or more serious infections."
Answered by AI
Is Omnicef the same as amoxicillin?
"Are Omicef and Amoxicillin drugs that treat similar infections? Omnicef (cefdinir) is a cephalosporin antibiotic and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. They are both drugs that are used to treat infections, but they are in different drug classes."
Answered by AI