Omnicef, also known by its active ingredient cefdinir, is an antibiotic medication. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including those affecting the skin, throat, and lungs. Alternative names for Omnicef include cefdinir and Cefzon.
The Omnicef price is approximately £2.55 – £3.64 per pills. It depends on the pack size and the amount of active ingredient (30 or 180 mg).
Omnicef contains the active ingredient Cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby killing the bacteria.
Omnicef is available as capsules containing 300 mg of Cefdinir and oral suspension powder with concentrations of 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL.
Omnicef is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, skin infections, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. It is effective against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Administer Omnicef with or without food. Shake the oral suspension well before each use and measure the dose with a proper measuring device. For adults and children who can swallow capsules, the capsule form should be taken as prescribed.
For adults, the typical dose is 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once daily for 5-10 days, depending on the infection. For pediatric patients, the dose is based on weight, typically 14 mg/kg/day as a single dose or in two divided doses.
Use caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustments are required based on creatinine clearance. Omnicef is generally safe in elderly patients, but dosage adjustments may be necessary. Pediatric dosing is specifically calculated by weight.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce Omnicef absorption. Iron supplements or multivitamins can form complexes with Cefdinir, decreasing its effectiveness. Probenecid can increase Cefdinir blood levels and should be used cautiously.
Omnicef is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Cefdinir or other cephalosporins. Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillins should use Omnicef cautiously.
Common adverse reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rash and allergic reactions can occur. Serious side effects such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are rare but need immediate medical attention.
Monitor renal function in patients with renal impairment or those receiving high doses. Watch for signs of allergic reactions, such as rash or difficulty breathing. Check for diarrhea, as it could indicate Clostridium difficile infection.
Category B: Animal studies have not shown risk, but no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women exist. Exercise caution when prescribing to nursing mothers, as Cefdinir is excreted in human milk.
Store capsules at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Refrigerate the reconstituted oral suspension and use within 10 days. Shake well before use.
Instruct patients to complete the entire course of therapy, even if they feel better sooner. Warn them about potential interactions with antacids and iron supplements. Advise them to report severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.
After oral administration, Cefdinir is absorbed with peak serum concentrations occurring 2-4 hours post-dose. It has a bioavailability of approximately 25% for capsules and oral suspension. Omnicef is primarily eliminated by renal excretion.
Cefdinir displays activity against a range of pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is effective against beta-lactamase-producing and non-beta-lactamase-producing strains.
Cefdinir binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death of the bacteria.
Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of Omnicef in treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and otitis media. It has demonstrated comparable efficacy to other commonly used antibiotics like Amoxicillin-Clavulanate.
Bacterial resistance to Cefdinir can occur through various mechanisms such as beta-lactamase production, modification of PBPs, and efflux pump overexpression. Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective therapy management.
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, and diarrhea. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis can remove Cefdinir from the bloodstream in overdosage cases.
The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of Cefdinir stems from its affinity for bacterial PBPs. The bactericidal action is time-dependent, with efficacy linked to the duration that the drug concentration exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Omnicef is effective and generally well-tolerated in children aged 6 months and older. Dosage should be carefully calculated based on the child’s weight. Close monitoring for adverse reactions such as diarrhea is recommended.
Clinical studies have not demonstrated significant differences in safety or effectiveness between elderly and younger patients. However, consider the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapy.
It is essential to use Omnicef judiciously to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Reserve it for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria, and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Reconstitute the oral suspension with water; shake the bottle vigorously after adding water. Ensure the correct amount of water is added to ensure appropriate drug concentration. Label the suspension with the date of reconstitution and discard any unused portion after 10 days.
The molecular formula of Cefdinir is C14H13N5O5S2. It has a molecular weight of 395.42 g/mol. The structural configuration consists of a 7-aminocephalosporanic acid core with a 3-vinyl and a 7-(2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxyiminoacetamido) side chain.