Omnicef (Cefdinir) Administration with Food
Omnicef can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects without compromising clinical efficacy. 1
Food Effect on Absorption
The FDA label indicates that food does reduce cefdinir absorption to some degree, but these reductions are not clinically significant 1:
- Capsules: Food decreases Cmax by 16% and AUC by 10% 1
- Oral suspension: Food decreases Cmax by 44% and AUC by 33% 1
However, the FDA explicitly states that "cefdinir may be taken without regard to food" because the magnitude of these reductions is not clinically significant. 1 This recommendation is further supported by the fact that pediatric safety and efficacy studies were conducted without regard to food intake. 1
Practical Administration Recommendations
When gastrointestinal distress occurs (particularly diarrhea, which affects approximately 20% of patients), taking cefdinir with food is preferable to discontinuing therapy. 2 This approach follows the general principle that when GI upset occurs with antibiotics, administration with food is better than splitting doses or stopping effective treatment. 3
Dosing Flexibility
- Adults and adolescents: 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily 4, 5
- Pediatric patients: 14 mg/kg/day in one or two divided doses 5
- Treatment duration: Typically 5-10 days depending on infection type 4, 5
Clinical Context
Cefdinir is recommended as an alternative for patients with penicillin hypersensitivity in acute bacterial sinusitis 6, and maintains excellent activity against common respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 4, 5. The drug's stability against beta-lactamases and convenient once- or twice-daily dosing make it a practical choice regardless of meal timing. 4, 7
Bottom line: Administer with or without food based on patient preference and tolerability, with food being the preferred option if GI side effects develop. 1