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Omnicef |
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What is Omnicef and why is it prescribed? Omnicef is a member of the family of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. It is used to treat mild to moderate infections, including: Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, Middle ear infections (otitis media), Throat and tonsil infections (pharyngitis/tonsillitis), Pneumonia, Sinus infections, and Skin infections. Omnicef, like other antibiotics, works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To maintain effective blood levels, be sure to take every dose on schedule. How should you take Omnicef? Follow your doctors directions for taking Omnicef. Omnicef is available in capsules (for individuals aged 13 years and up) and an oral suspension (for children aged 6 months to 12 years). Shake the oral suspension thoroughly before each use. Omnicef can be taken with or without food. Be sure to finish your entire prescription, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking Omnicef too soon, some germs may survive and cause a relapse. If you use antacids, iron supplements, or multivitamins containing iron, allow at least 2 hours between a dose of these products and a dose of Omnicef. Antacids and iron tend to reduce the amount of Omnicef in the bloodstream. It's okay, however, to combine iron-fortified infant formula with Omnicef suspension. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Both the capsules and the oral suspension can be stored at room temperature. The suspension will keep for 10 days, after which any unused portion must be thrown away. Are there any Omnicef side effects? Omnicef side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Omnicef capsule side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and vaginal infection. Less common Omnicef capsule side effects may include abdominal pain, headache, and vaginal inflammation. Rare Omnicef capsule side effects may include abnormal stools, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, indigestion, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, rash, vaginal discharge, vomiting, and weakness. More common Omnicef suspension side effects may include diarrhea and rash. Less common Omnicef suspension side effects may include skin infection and vomiting. Rare Omnicef suspension side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal stools, indigestion, nausea, rash, restlessness, vaginal infection, and vaginal inflammation. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Omnicef? If Omnicef is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Omnicef with Antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta), Iron supplements, Multivitamins containing iron, or Probenecid (Benemid). The combination of iron and Omnicef sometimes turns the stool red. This is not a cause for concern. Are there any special warnings about Omnicef? Use Omnicef with caution if you suffer from colitis. Omnicef has been known to cause colitis. If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor. The use of an antibiotic to kill one type of germ can sometimes promote the growth of other germs that are resistant to the drug. If a new infection occurs, alert your doctor. You may need to take a different antibiotic. If you suffer from seizures, use Omnicef with caution. If you have a seizure while using Omnicef, stop taking it and call your doctor immediately. Omnicef suspension contains 2.86 grams of sugar per teaspoonful. If a child is diabetic, this could cause an increase in blood sugar levels. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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