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What is Omnicef
 Omnicef
is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Omnicef
is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections,
such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, tonsillitis,
ear infections, and skin infections.
Omnicef
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Omnicef
Take all of the Omnicef that has been prescribed
for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms
may start to improve before the infection is completely
treated.
Do not take antacids that contain aluminum
or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron,
with a dose of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours
before or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness
of the antibiotic. The Omnicef suspension can be safely
administered with iron-fortified infant formula.
What you should find out before taking
Omnicef
Do not take Omnicef if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless
your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking Omnicef, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease, or
- a gastrointestinal
(digestive) disease such as colitis.
You may not
be able to take Omnicef, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have either
of the conditions listed above.
The Omnicef oral
suspension contains 2.86 g of sucrose per teaspoon. Individuals
with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained
in this suspension.
Omnicef is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn
baby. Talk to your doctor before taking Omnicef if you are
pregnant.
Omnicef has not been reported to pass into
breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking Omnicef if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Omnicef Take Omnicef exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.
Omnicef
can be taken with or without food.
Do not take antacids
that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or
multivitamins with iron, with a dose of Omnicef. Take these
products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Omnicef
to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic. The
Omnicef suspension can be safely administered with iron-fortified
infant formula.
To ensure that you get a correct
dose, measure the liquid form of Omnicef with a dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have
a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take Omnicef at evenly spaced intervals to keep a
constant level of drug in the body.
Take all of the
Omnicef that has been prescribed for you even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before
the infection is completely treated.
Store the capsules
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The suspension
can be stored at room temperature (or refrigerated) for
10 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 10 days.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then
try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until
you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Omnicef overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal cramps, and seizures.
Avoid while taking Omnicef Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium,
iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose
of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours before
or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness
of the antibiotic.
Possible side effects of Omnicef If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Omnicef and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or
a rash);
- rash, redness, or itching;
- seizures;
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
-
mucous or blood in the stool; or
- unusual bleeding
or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take Omnicef and talk
to your doctor if you experience
- mild nausea or
diarrhea, or
- a yeast infection of the mouth or
vagina.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Omnicef Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium,
iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose
of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours before
or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness
of the antibiotic. The Omnicef suspension can be safely
administered with iron-fortified infant formula.
Before taking Omnicef, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines
- probenecid (Benemid),
or
- another antibiotic.
You may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Omnicef.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
