Omnicef: Effective Bacterial Infection Treatment with Broad-Spectrum Coverage
Omnicef
| Product dosage: 300mg | |||
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| 180 | $3.12
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Synonyms | |||
Omnicef (cefdinir) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It demonstrates excellent in vitro activity against common pathogens responsible for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections. With its convenient once- or twice-daily dosing and generally favorable tolerability profile, Omnicef represents a clinically valuable option in outpatient antimicrobial therapy. This comprehensive product card provides healthcare professionals with detailed prescribing information.
Features
- Active ingredient: Cefdinir 300 mg capsules or 125 mg/5 mL oral suspension
- Pharmacological class: Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
- Mechanism: Bactericidal activity through inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Spectrum: Broad coverage including Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms
- Bioavailability: Approximately 21% under fasting conditions
- Half-life: 1.7 hours permitting once- or twice-daily dosing
- Excretion: Primarily renal (unchanged drug)
Benefits
- Effective against common community-acquired pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis
- Convenient dosing regimen enhances patient compliance compared to multiple daily dosing antibiotics
- Generally well-tolerated profile with lower incidence of serious adverse effects compared to some alternative antibiotics
- Oral formulation eliminates need for parenteral administration in appropriate cases
- Demonstrated clinical efficacy in multiple randomized controlled trials across approved indications
- Minimal effect on normal gut flora compared to broader-spectrum alternatives
Common use
Omnicef is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms. Primary indications include community-acquired pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. It is also approved for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. The determination of appropriate antibiotic therapy should be based on culture and susceptibility testing when possible.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage and duration of therapy vary according to the infection being treated. For adults and adolescents (13 years and older), the typical dose is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once daily. For pediatric patients (6 months through 12 years), the recommended dose is 7 mg/kg every 12 hours or 14 mg/kg once daily, not to exceed 600 mg per day. 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. The duration of therapy is typically 5-10 days depending on the indication and clinical response.
Precautions
Prescribers should exercise caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min. As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, Omnicef may cause pseudomembranous colitis, which may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Patients should be monitored for development of diarrhea during and for several weeks following antibiotic therapy. Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Appropriate culture and susceptibility studies should be performed to guide therapy.
Contraindications
Omnicef is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefdinir or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Cross-hypersensitivity may occur in patients with penicillin allergy; approximately 10% of patients with penicillin hypersensitivity will experience allergic reactions to cephalosporins. The antibiotic is also contraindicated in patients who have experienced anaphylactic reactions to any component of the formulation. No absolute contraindications exist regarding hepatic impairment, though caution is advised in severe hepatic dysfunction with concomitant renal impairment.
Possible side effect
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include diarrhea (8%), nausea (3%), vaginal moniliasis (3%), headache (2%), and abdominal pain (1%). Less frequent side effects may include rash, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence, and dizziness. Laboratory abnormalities may include elevated hepatic enzymes, eosinophilia, and positive Coombs’ test without hemolysis. Serious but rare adverse effects include pseudomembranous colitis, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and blood dyscrasias. Patients should be advised to report severe diarrhea, bloody stools, rash, or signs of allergic reaction promptly.
Drug interaction
Concomitant administration with iron supplements or iron-fortified formulas may reduce absorption of cefdinir, resulting in a reddish stool discoloration but not affecting efficacy. Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum may decrease peak plasma levels of cefdinir. Probenecid may inhibit renal excretion of cefdinir, potentially increasing serum concentrations. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with warfarin, oral contraceptives, or commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents. However, as with all antibiotics, monitoring for potential interactions 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, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the importance of completing the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve before the antibiotic regimen is finished to prevent development of antibiotic resistance.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be instituted. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed shortly after ingestion. Cefdinir is eliminated primarily by renal excretion, so hemodialysis may be effective in removing the drug from the bloodstream. There is no specific antidote for cefdinir overdose. Supportive care including maintenance of hydration and electrolyte balance is recommended. Cases of overdose should be reported to a poison control center for appropriate management guidance.
Storage
Omnicef capsules should be stored at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) in a tightly closed container. The oral suspension, once reconstituted, should be stored in the refrigerator (2°-8°C/36°-46°F) in the original container and discarded after 10 days. The medication should be kept out of reach of children and protected from excessive moisture and light. Do not freeze the oral suspension. Patients should be advised not to use medication beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for healthcare professionals and should not replace clinical judgment. The prescribing physician should be familiar with the complete prescribing information before initiating therapy. Dosage must be adjusted according to individual patient requirements, renal function, and infection severity. Antibiotics should be used only for bacterial infections as they are not effective against viral infections. Inappropriate use may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Omnicef efficacy rates of 85-95% across approved indications, comparable to other cephalosporin antibiotics. Physician satisfaction surveys indicate high prescribing confidence due to predictable pharmacokinetics and generally favorable side effect profile. Patient-reported outcomes show good tolerability with convenience of dosing cited as a significant advantage over multiple daily dosing regimens. Post-marketing surveillance data continues to support the safety profile established in pre-approval clinical trials.