How does Cefdinir / Generic Omnicef work?
Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic and it is bactericidal in action. Omnicef inhibits the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Omnicef binds to different proteins and it weakens cell walls of bacteria and results in the rupturing of cell wall. Without a cell wall, the bacteria are destroyed and also cannot multiply, thereby effectively curing the infection.

Side effects of Omnicef
The common side effects reported with Cefdinir during clinical trials are diarrhea, nausea, head ache, abdominal pain, rash, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, asthenia, insomnia, somnolence and pruritis. The side effects reported during post marketing are shock, facial and laryngeal edema, serum sickness like reaction, conjunctivitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, leucopenia, peptic ulcer, hypertension, loss of consciousness and myocardial infarction.

Guidelines before using Cefdinir
Cefdinir should not be administered along with antacids containing calcium or magnesium ions as it interferes with its absorption. If Omnicef and antacids has to be given, Omnicef should be given 2hrs before or after antacids. Cefdinir can be given without regard of food. The co-administration of Cefdinir and probencid is not advisable as probencid inhibit renal excretion of Cefdinir. The therapeutic iron supplement should be given only before or after 2hours of Omnicef administration. Cefdinir is a broad spectrum antibiotic and it can cause development of resistance. The prolonged use of Cefdinir can result in the development of super infections.

What are the common dosages of Generic Omnicef?
The recommended adult dosage is 600mg once daily for 10 days. Omnicef capsules should be administered twice daily in pneumonia and skin infections. In patients with renal insufficiency and patients on hemodialysis dosage of Cefdinir is 300mg once daily.

Difference between Brand and Generic Cefdinir
The Brand and generic Omnicef contains same Cefdinir as the active ingredient. The brand and generic form differs only in price, packaging and brand names. Since the active ingredients are the same, the mechanism of action is same for both generic and brand forms. You can however buy cheap Omnicef pills when it is sold as a generic variant.