Brand name: ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)
Pronounced: OM-knee-seff
Generic name: Cefdinir
Why is ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) prescribed?

ADCEF (Cefdinir, 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
Skin infections
Most important fact about ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)

ADCEF (Cefdinir, 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 ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)?

ADCEF (Cefdinir, 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. The drug 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 the drug 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 ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef). Antacids and iron tend to reduce the amount of ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) in the bloodstream. It's okay, however, to combine iron-fortified infant formula with ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) suspension.

If you miss a dose ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)

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 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

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.
ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef).

CAPSULES
Why should ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) not be prescribed?

If you've ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic, you should not take ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef). Note, too, that if you are allergic to penicillin, you may also be allergic to cephalosporins. The reaction can be extremely severe. Be sure to let the doctor know about any allergies you may have.
Special warnings about ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)

Use ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) with caution if you suffer from colitis (inflammation of the bowel). ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) has been known to cause colitis. If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea while taking ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef), 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 (called a superinfection) occurs, alert your doctor. You may need to take a different antibiotic.

If you suffer from seizures, use ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) with caution. If you have a seizure while using ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef), stop taking it and call your doctor immediately.

ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) suspension contains 2.86 grams of sugar per teaspoonful. If a child is diabetic, this could cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)

If ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) with the following:

Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta
Iron supplements
Multivitamins containing iron
Probenecid (Benemid)

The combination of iron and ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) sometimes turns the stool red. This is not a cause for concern.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor. ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) does not appear in breast milk.
Recommended dosage for ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef)

ADULTS
Overdosage

The effects of an ADCEF (Cefdinir, Omnicef) overdose are unknown, but overdoses of similar antibiotics produce abdominal pain, convulsions, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.