Cefdinir (Omnicef) Nursing Considerations

Hey guys, let’s talk about Cefdinir also known as Omnicef. This is an oral medication, as you can see here in the slide. So remember that the therapeutic class is what the drug does in the body while the pharmacologic class is its actual chemical effect. Cefdinir’s therapeutic class is an anti-infective while the pharmacologic class is a third-generation cephalosporin. So how does Cefdinir work or what is its mechanism of action? So it’s bactericidal, which means it binds to bacterial cell walls causing cell death. We use Cefdinir for skin infections and also otitis media. So a side effect that we see with Cefdinir is diarrhea because remember those good bacteria can also be destroyed with the bad, but we can also see some more serious, less common side effects like pseudomembranous colitis and even anaphylaxis. 

So let’s take a look at some nursing considerations. You are going to want to assess your patient’s infection while on this medication. And also their allergies before therapy begins. Bowel functions should be monitored during therapy for bleeding, and also before therapy cultures should be obtained. This is very important. Cefdinir is contraindicated in patients who have an allergy to cephalosporins and an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin. It’s important to know that Cefdinir may lead to seizures as well as phlebitis at the injection site if it’s given in its injection form. An important tidbit of information guys, patients who are on antacids or iron supplements should not take these concurrently with Cefdinir, they should be spaced at least two hours apart because Cefdinir can be bound by these medications. That’s it for Cefdinir or Omnicef. Now go out and be your best self today. And as always happy nursing.