Drug Uses
Omnicef is used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsils (tonsillitis ), throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), and skin and other soft tissues.
Usage
Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.
You may choose to take Omnicef with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.
The dosage is 300 mg in every 12 hrs or 500 mg in one day, depending on the severity of the infections.
Please drink a full glass of water with omnicef.
It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.
Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.
The dosage should not increase more than once in a day (24 hours).
Drug Class and Mechanism
Omnicef is a cephalosporin which works by preventing bacteria replication by interfering in their cell wall formation.
Missed Dose
Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.
Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.
Storage
Store omnicef at room temperature at 25 degrees C (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.
Warning/Precautions
Doctors advise against using omnicef if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like asthma, emphysema/bronchitis along with asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block or any conduction/sinus node problems, very slow heartbeat), untreated blood mineral imbalance (electrolyte imbalance), very low blood pressure.
Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.
Omnicef may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using omnicef. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).
Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of omnicef. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.
Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking omnicef before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.
Being an antibiotic omnicef cannot be used for treating viral infections common cold and flu. So, you must avoid contact with people who have viral infections.
Some patients using antibiotics have reported extreme stomach cramps which are followed by bloody or tarry stools. If you notice this, then contact your physician immediately.
Constant usage of omnicef has led to a re-infection which is more severe than the first. Hence, doctors will constantly monitor your condition closely while using omnicef.
If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using omnicef to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.
If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using omnicef as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.
