Omnicef and diarrhea

Diarrhea, Diarrhea, Diarrhea, that, even after i finished the 10 day course, it still went on! Phew! Activia my butt! Anti-diarrhea worked for a day... I even had the sore throat and the cough............I am really tired of these "Keflex" antibiotics..no more!!

(33yr) Was given Omnicef for an ear infection. After 3rd dose broke out with huge patches of red whelps. Stop taking, but then my joints started to ache and I had large knots on the bottom of my feet and hands. Diarrhea and vomiting, severe stomache cramps and low blood pressure... followed by antiphylatic shock. While I was in the ER the discovered I was also having a heart attack.

It has been 3 weeks and every time I come off the steroids, the rash and other symtoms return.

Has anyone else had similar problems.

My 4 yr old is on it now and after reading all of your comments I am able to see similar side effects in my girl. Initially, she had diarrhea but it cleared up after two days and a lot of pro-biotics. Then we began to notice how excessively tried and drawn she was. Looking back on this last week she has also been irritable. I had attributed it all to her being sick, possibly the change in season but now I'm thinking it was this antibiotic.

30 year old female - After completing 10 day course in full I developed diarrhea and cramping. It's been 7 days since then and I still am not back to normal. Would have rather had the sinus infection.

My doctor gave me omnicef for a sinus infection and I must say that I felt much better before the I started the medicine. From the first day I had most of all the side effects, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, no appetite, but no muscle/joint pain. However, since I finished the last pill, I have been experiencing extreme right leg pain in the hamstring area and below. Actually, my whole leg hurts like heck! I have been doing leg exercises and taking ibuprofen, but how long must I do this. It has been going on for 2 1/2 weeks now. I too will never take this medicine again. I am not even sure that it even helped my sinus situation, but if it did, it also caused way more problems than I had or ever expected.

My one year old daughter was prescribed this medication 4 days ago for an ear infection. I will never give her this medication again. Over the course of 4 days she developed worsening gastrointestinal symptoms similar to a stomach flu including diarrhea and vomiting. Today she projectile vomited all day long and was unable to keep down food or liquids. I called the pediatrician who informed us to cease using the medication immediately. Using Omnicef has been a horrible experience.

I took Omnicef in late May2007 and have had diarrhea ever since. Have taken different meds and still not resolved. I need help as Holidays are here and I am miserable. Can anyone suggest a cure??? I have lost 13 pounds.

my 15 mo old started Omnicef 7 days ago. She is generally a very happy smiling child since meds clingy, wakes up crying in middle of night, diarrhea for several days, rash in private area, grabs her throat as if hurts, rubs her head as if headache and today was her check up showed Dr. rash, she said put her on Dr. Smith's. Once home, she began screaming uncontrollably and clinching my neck I could feel her having bowel movement she had her legs straightened in pain. Her stool was bloody. Called nurse, said this can happen BC of tearing in the intestinal track. Told her that was unacceptable and I wanted to speak with the doctor; have not heard from them yet. SHE WILL NOT BE GETTING THE REST OF THIS MEDICINE! Angela Houston TX

my 10 month-old was prescribed Omnicef suspension 5ml a day for a lingering cold that turned into a sinus infection, before that she had taken amoxicillin for ear infection.
took it for 10 days, was ok. 2 days after finishing taking the medication, she started her diarrhea/loose stool (no more than 2-3-4 BMs a day, just loose, runny, mucousy, light yellow (like yolk+sour cream mix)-green-ish color.
7 days into the diarrhea some black residue, filament/dill-like came out in the stool for three days. all this time the baby had been eating rice cereal, toast, and formula. What I'm saying is those things came out of her body, wasn't something she had eaten. Yesterday was the 10th day of loose stool, and took her to the ped. was prescribed Lactinex to restore stomach bacteria.
All this time the baby was not herself: waking up and crying at night (cramping, aching?), very clingy and whiny, turning her head at the sight of the solid food (rice regimen), lethargic at times, irritable, mood swings, sticking tongue out (dry mouth?), shuddering, crying when touched, picked up, put down on her feet to stand, her runny nose is back.
Last night she woke up at 2.30A CRYING in terror, lasted for about 2 hours on and off, by 5.30A was up and never gone back to sleep. She usually sleeps 12 hrs solid 7P-7A. She also had a BM- first in 36 hrs-which was the opposite of what she's been having for 10 days- hard, and some loose around, and a patching compound consistency, porous and sandy... She may have woken because of bloating, cramping, difficulty passing the stool. But the crying continued after she relieved herself.
Had I known about the side effects, or this forum before..I would have stopped the medication... Although it may have been difficult since the full-blown symptoms kicked in 2 days after finishing the 10 day Omnicef regimen.
If there is ever an FDA complaint to take this med off the market for good or for further testing, sign me in...

I am a 41 year old woman. I was prescribed Omnicef 3 days ago. I have had severe gas and acid reflux type pain, muscle fatigue, fear, anxiety and lack of concentration. I have not experienced diarrhea or constipation. Nothing over the counter works to minimize the pain caused by this med.

My son, now 10, was on this med quite freqently when he was a little one. After reading the postings about other children, it explains a lot to me about why I was up all night, his attitude changes, etc..

I am sure that there are plenty of people who are not afftected by this med and would laugh at us, for me, I am going to have it put in my charts not to prescribe it ever again.

I am 52 years old. Omnicef was prescribed to me for an ear and sinus infection. I took the medication for five of the ten days prescribed. Praise God, I did not take the remaining five days. Otherwise, I believe I would be in the hospital! I missed three days of work due to non-stop diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and rumbling, muscle and joint pain. I cannot begin to describe the pain this medication causes. It was been 17 days since my first dose of this horrific drug and I am still having stomach issues. PLEASE THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS DRUG! I WILL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN.

My daughter is 10 months old and on her third day of the omnicef. She has been in a terrible mood since she has started. (as someone else noted a demon child). She has horrible cramping and diarrhea. She no longer wants to eat or drink. This morning she broke out in a pimple type rash all over the trunk of her body. After reading these post I am stopping this medication it not fair to anyone to have to suffer like this when there are plenty of other meds out there. Today is Sunday so I will be contacting her Pediatrician in the morning.

My six year old has a severe case of bronchitis. The dr put her on omnicef. She'd never taken it before. By the third day, she had severe diarrhea, headaches, severe mood swings (comparable to bi-polar highs and lows), sore muscles and joints, vomitting and very loud stomach issues. After that third dose I decided not to give her anymore after reading the severe side affects from this site. The morning after she missed the 4th dose, her fever was gone! I can tell that the medication is still in her system as she has not returned to normal yet. The dr called in amoxil for her and she's never had any reactions to it. I will never give her Omnicef again! What a horrible thing to give to children! Is the drug company paying out $$ for them to push this drug?

I took Omnicef because my doctor was not sure what kind of infection I had and he said Omnicef was a "well-rounded" drug. Meaning it deals w/all types of infections.
I had HORRIBLE headaches with this medicine. Completely opposite of everyone I've read on this site, I had constipation (where everyone else had diarrhea.) I also ended-up getting an intestinal yeast infection...Awful! My constipation & yeast infection eventually got so bad (no matter what I took for it) that I ended-up with (how embarrassing) a fischer. For those of you that do not know, that is a tear in the hole of your rear-end. It was severely painful and despite what I have taken to loosen my stool, I continue to have the awful tear to this day. (1 year after taking the medicine.) I went to gastro-entronologist and he said the only way to fix it (if not by laxitives) is by surgery. I'm hoping my injury will eventually heal by taking various laxitive stimulants.
I would not reccomend this drug to ANYONE!
Sorry for the gross details, but they need to be told to explain the extent of the injuries...

I took my first (and only) dose of Omnicef 4 days ago for a sinus infection and have not stopped having tummy problems. The smell or even thought of food makes me want to vomit, I have constant non-stop diarrhea. I feel woozy and sweaty and like I am going to faint. I'm very thirsty and tired. My stomach is contantly rubmling and cramping and feels gassy but is much much worse. This prescription cost so much and only caused me more pain and trouble. Pepto-Bismol has not helped. PLEASE REFUSE TO TAKE OMNICEF IF YOUR DR. PRESCRIBES. I'd take a sinus infection over this any day. It terrifies me to think this is being prescribed for children...I am 34 and can not image what it must be like for a little one to have to go through this. I am going to find out what I can do NATURALLY to fix my stomach problems and take care of my sinus infection. Monday I'll look for a NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN to consult with in the future! P.S. The person who recommended taking a PROBIOTIC was right. I am going to begin taking ACIDOPHILUS.

In addition (I saw some other posts reporting this so I wanted to include it too), I am 35 years old and experienced something like "diaper rash" after the diarrhea began. Also, the symptoms I had from the sinusitis and tonsillitis started to return two days after finishing the course of medication. I will be going back to the doctor this week to start all over.

I AM 46 YEARS OLD. TOOK OMNICEF FOR SINIS INFECTION.AFTER 2ND DOSE STARTED WITH HORRIBLE DIARRHEA. IM STOPPING IT !!!!! SO SHOULD YOU

My 9 month old son was subscribed Omnicef for a double ear infection. He has stopped eating and drinking fluids, he is waking up in the middle of night screaming at the top of his lungs as if in pain. Now mind you this child can sleep 12 hours solid with lots of noise in the background. He is also experiencing horrible diarrhea and is very hot even when the temperature is 72. He is not running a fever. The doctor said to keep with the medicine, I say NO WAY!! This is not drug to give to an adult let alone an infant.

I am a 38-yr old woman and I was prescribed Omnicef in February for a sinus infection. On day 2 I started having diarrhea. On day 5 I went back to my doctor and she took me off the Omnicef. Here it is nearly two months later and I'm still having problems with my bowels. I went to a gastroentologist last week and just had my 3rd stool sample. I was tested for C-Diff which is caused from taking antibiotics. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy unless my stool sample comes back positive. After reading everyone else's side effects I think this is what I have. I highly recommend NOT taking Omnicef. This drug should be taken off the market!

My 19-month old was put on Omnicef, and after couple days she got awful diarrhea, and with that came diaper rash.
It was so bad she coudn't sit and was screaming all the time when I tried to change her or bath her, I felt horrible for giving her that medicine. I will never put my baby on Omnicef.

I was prescsribed Omnicef for sinusitis. On Day#2 I began having diarrhea. Thought I'd stick with the regimen, but on Day #5 stopped taking it as having severe diarrhea everytime I went to the bathroom. It is almost a week now since I started taking it and my bowels are not back to normal yet. Have call in to doctor's office for seomthing to relieve the diarrhea as Immodium does not work (pharmacy insert with medicine said as much--OTC remedies will not help--and it's true!) I am 50 years old, in good health otherwise, but this med knocked me for a loop! Will NEVER take it again. PS Did not help the sinusitis, either.

my 3 year old was prescribed this for an ear infection.
He took one dose at noon, and by 2am (14 hours later)
the bad reactions set in....
Diarrhea and constant vomitting for 6 hours.
I did not, and REFUSE to give him a 2nd dose.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!

I was prescribed Omnicef for Strep throat and an ear infection. I have had strep throat several times in the past but this was my first time taking Omnicef. Besides not feeling better until about the 5th day of taking it, I got severe diarrhea and nausea. I contacted the doctor and he told me to "stick with it" and he was confident it would make me better. Two days after finishing every last pill the strep throat was back. I would never recommend this antibiotic to anyone and I refuse to ever take it again. I am now on Penicillen and began feeling better immediatly.

I was prescribed omnicef for redness in my throat which assumed to be some type of infection. I was told by my doctor that I had a "viral infection" I was given a 10 day does, after a day or two I noticed very soft stools which lead to diarrhea, nausea, anal and vaginal irritation and itching. I have been trying to drink a lot of water to flush my system but I am not back to normal. My appetite is a little off and the irritation seems to be somewhat like "diaper rash?" I'm 34 years old! I will never take this medicine again, I haven't been back in touch with my doctor but after reading all of this I am now thinking I should. This is scary.

hello. my 27 month boy was prescribed omnicef for pharyngitis. he has had six doses (once per day) and started having brick red stools 3 days into taking omnicef. we were extremely worried at first to see the red stools but finally found out it was a side effect and not blood in his stool. on day 6 of omnicef he started having diarrhea. i hope this doesn't persist for the four more days of omnicef!
BEHAVIOR - starting on his fourth day of taking omnicef he has developed a very cranky, fit-throwing behavior that we hardly ever see out of him. his appetite has gone down considerably also. our little 27 mo. boy usually is a hefty eater but hasn't even had the desire, really. throughout today (day 6) he has been unable to even play his favorite games due to his grumpiness. i'm relieved to have read other parents noticing these same issues with their little ones.
good luck - mommy

My 7 1/2 mth old daughter was prescribed Omnicef for an ear infection. She has been on another Cephalasporin based drug before but with this one she has had episodes of vomiting (approx 1 1/2 hr after receiving the medication) as well as bright orange/red loose stools. After doing some reading it says that the red stools can sometimes be caused by a reaction with iron supplements - the same that she has in her formula but I'm more concerned over the diarrhea mainly because both my husband and I are working full-time and I can't take her to child care with the diarrhea but we can't afford to stay home for the 10 day course. Of course Lizzy is receiving the medicaiton once daily and although I haven't spoken to her Dr. yet (I'm calling tomorrow( I'm wondering if we should split the dose into twice daily. Otherwise she still seems happy and bright. Eating okay and interacting normally. I guess I'll see what the doctor says tomorrow

I was given Omnicef for an ear infection. After the sixth dose, I had horrible diarrhea. It was frightening. I immediately stopped the drug and am now fine. My ear infection cleared up on its own. I will never take this drug again.

Have completed three days of antibiotic treatments at 600 mg per dose. I have severe diarrhea and am in fear of becoming dehydrated. My pharmacist tells me it couldn't possibly be the OMNICEF, just the sinus infection leaving my system. I have had sinus infections before and nothing has left my system like this in my life. It was recommended that I try probiotics to counter the side effect of the diarrhea. This goes on my list of antibiotics to stay away from in the future.

I started taking omnicef for a sinus/ear infection and on the 5th day, I had horrible cramping, diarrhea, wanted to throw up, sweating, etc. also had black, I mean black stools. I went into the doctor and he said the antibiotic was causing my stomach to be irritated and bloody, causing the black stools. He put me on Flagil for the above problems and things cleared up. I did an endoscopy and found that my stomach was red and irriated from the Omnicef! Stay away from that drug!!!! Augmenten is still the best drug for ear infections....we should have them take Omnicef off of the market...it is also very expensive!

I was treated with Omnicef for a suspected case of pneumonia (they didn't even do a chest x-ray to confirm this). About 4 days into my treatment I developed very bad diarrhea with mucus and blood. A few days later I began having fever, body aches, and throwing up. I went into the ER for dehydration, at which point they told me that Omnicef can cuase these symptoms. 11 days later, I still have no appetite and continue with the diarrhea. No one told me about these possible side effects. Do not take this antibiotic!!! I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

My 6 year old, 4 year old and myself a 35 year old were all placed on Omnicef for "upper respiratory infections". We all had the diarrhea, which I expected.... I had the yeast infection, however it seemed to spread to the "rear end" area. Even my young kids said it "hurt" when they had a bowel movement. I have been off this stuff for 2 weeks and we all still have "issues". I never want this antibiotic again!

I initially went to see my doctor because of this pian that I experience every morning, especially if I had dairy products during the day. I told him I have been experiencing this pain for about 7 years now. He concluded it was a stomach infection. He gave a sample of Omnicef. After my first dose, I have noticed that I was constantly having reddish diarrhea without notice

Seems like worst medicine I've ever had. I'm 32 years old male . After 3 days of dose of omnicef, I started to have diarrhea. Diarrhea got worsened . And after 5 days of dose, Now I'm having severe rash at my lower body. I researched web and found it is similar to fungal infection like jock itch. I'm medicating myself with clorimazole cream . Todays 6th day and the rash doesn't seem get any better. If someone's without insurance like me, this poor medication means few more hundred bucks to treat the skin problem. I decided to notice doctor of these side effect and will never recommend this medicine to anyone .

My 5 year-old daughter starting taking omnicef nine days ago. On day seven she began complaining with tummy aches and several hours later began experiencing diarrhea. I mentioned to my husbsand that this may be a side effect and he thought we should stop the drug. I am concerned that if we stop the medication she will relapse....she has had a severe sinus infection and this is her third antibiotic since none of the others seem to be have been effective. I have not noticed any red stools with her but it is still possible.

My son is 11 months old and was prescribed Omnicef about two weeks ago for an ear infection. He has had several and been on a few different other medications that have successfully gotten rid of his infections. Immediately after starting the medication he was constantly crying and very irritable. He has slept through the night since he was 6 weeks old and when on the medication he would wake up at nihgt after only being asleep for 20 or 30 minutes and scream. he would act very angry or sometimes just look in a scary daze. He also had terrible diarrhea. After a week of being on the meds I took him back to the doctor and she casually said to take him off, because he "could" be reacting. As soon as I took him off he began taking naps again and sleeping through the night. He was MUCH happier. Now, howeverI am noticing a grayish tint on his baby teeth, which I am positive is because of the medication. I take wonderful care of his baby teeth-I know they are not rotten or decayed. Has this happened to anyone else?

My 2.5 year old son was put on Omnicef for sinus infection/tonsilitis. He is now done with it and we made it through but his behavior for those 10 days changed SO dramatically, I decided to retroactively look up side effects. What I am seeing here is a lot of parents describing the same thing (besides the ever present diarrhea) - the nightmares, waking screaming, but beyond just cranky as with other illness- and he's had pneumonia already- lashing out, really angry. My mother in law suggested maybe the medication had something to do with it and I thought she was reaching too far,but now, I'm not sure. If I were to be perscribed it again, I would request an alternative.

My 2.5 month old son is taking omnicef for pneumonia, he first had a little diarrhea then it turned to the hard, reddish color sools. I was so worried , since my MD had not mentioned this as a side effect, so I researceh on the internet and saw this. Thanks a bunch to the parents who posted here and made me feel so better!

I just stopped giving my 14 month old Omnicef that he was prescribed for an ear infection. He had and still has the worst diarrhea I have ever seen. He will not nap, we can't get him to fall asleep at night. He is VERY cranky and aggressive. I will never give Omnicef to any of my children again.

MY 3 YEAR OLD SON WAS GIVEN OMNICEF FOR AN EAR INFECTION, HE WOKE UP THE MORNING AFTER HIS 8TH DAY OF THE 10 DAY ANITBIOTIC WITH A LITTLE BUMP ON BIG TOE. WITHIN AN HOUR I NOTICED ANOTHER BUMP ON HIS ELBOW. THEY RESEMBLED MOSQUITO BITES. WITHIN THREE HOURS HIS HANDS AND KNEES WERE VERY SWOLLEN AND HE ALSO HAD SEVERAL MORE BUMPS ON HIS FACE AND ARMS. I TOOK HIM STRIAGHT INTO THE DR BECASUE WE WERE ALREADY IN TOWN. THEY SAID IT WAS A REACTION TO THE OMNICEF. WITHIN ABOUT 30 MINUTES AT THE PEDIATRICIANS OFFICE AND HIM HAVING HIS SHOES OFF, HIS FEET SWELLED ENOUGH THAT I COULDN'T PUT HIS SHOES BACK ON. THIS ALL STARTED ON MONDAY MORNING. BY TUESDAY EVENING HE WAS COMPLETELY COVERED IN HUGE WELPS AND THERE WERE CIRCLE SHAPED WELPS OVER THE ALREADY VERY RED SWOLLEN WELPS. I TOOK HIM BACK IN BECASUE HIS SKIN APPEARS TO BE BRUISING AND HIS EYES ARE SO DARK. HE IS ITCHING AND HIS SKIN HURTS HE SAYS. BENADRYL IS HELPING BUT FOR ONLY A FEW HOURS AT A TIME. THE PEDIATRICIAN SAYS IT IS REALLY BAD HIVES AND COULD LAST FOR UP TO 6 WEEKS. MY LITTLE GUY IS IN WAY MORE PAIN THAN BEFORE THE OMNICEF EVEN WITH HIS EAR INFECTION. HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY DIAREAH OR STOMACH PAIN THE FIRST 8 DAYS, THIS JUST CAME ON SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. NEVER AGAIN WILL ANY MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY USE OMNICEF.

My 4 month old is having similar side effects from omnicef?, protopic for eczema, zyrtec, culturelle--brown diarhhea, intestinal cramping, crying fits for 2 hours, itchiness--pawing at his face/ears, rosy around eyes and cheeks that comes and goes, but not sure which meds cause what.

Bad spelling must be a side effect, based upon the info posted here. Myself, I have diarrhea, but it's better than the humongous mucous slug choking me by crawling down my throat each night. I thank my physician for prescibing it!

diarrhea, extremely nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness and muscle aches in legs and lower back pain and sharp chest pain in the upper part of my chest.

I started taking this drug for a sinus infection... I was supposed to take this drug twice a day but it makes you drowsy so I took it once a day.. I took the OMNICEF for 4 days and stopped on Day 5, because of the Diarrhea, it lasted all day long, I went to the restroom about 5 times in one day... the next day, same thing, brownish looking loose stools. It did clear my infection but the side effects are the WORST!! BEWARE!! take at your own risk. Consult physician about side effects..

i am up every night i am so tired and cranky i can not sleep i am having shortess of breath. i am crying every time i urinate it burns with yeast infection and diareah. never again.

Recently, my 12 month old son was prescribed Omnicef for what the Doctor thought was strep throat. Before the medication he had a steady temp of 102 and was very un-energetic. After five does of 1 TSP my son broke out in a horrible rash all over his face, torso/truck, and upper part of his arms and legs. He also got a diaper rash and diarrhea. He also was very bad tempered and moody. This was such a change from his past behavior, even when he was sick. The doctor thinks this is an allergic reaction to the mediation and put him on another antibiotic. I am very concerned about this medication and it's side effects. It seems that eveyone is experiencing some very serious things.

Ater 6 weeks prior to this medication, and 3 other medicines, the ear infection is finally gone with omnicef. My son is 10 months old and started on Omnicef 9/21/05. He had the red diarrhea. I was concerned until I read this site. He finished his last dose on Friday this is now Wednesday. There is still diarrhea, not red but still there...could this still be a reaction???

I notice most of the side effect postings have to do with
children. I am a 36-year-old adult and have taken
the medicine myself; I would like to agree with many
of your postings--- this is a horrible medicine!
I have had diarrhea and bowel movements that come
without much warning, as well as anal irritation.

This is the second time in about a month and a half, that my pediatrician has perscribed Omnicef for my 10 mo. old daughter, and both times it either did not clear up the primary infection or caused a secondary infection. Besides not curing what it was supposed to, the drug caused a bad yeast infection and severe diarrhea. It's very difficult to clear up a yeast infection when you can't keep the area dry! I don't like this drug, and I will not let my daughter take it again.

My 13 month was prescribed Omnicef for an ear infection and a slight case of pnuemonia. This is here second dose of Omnicef and she has started having reddish colored diarrhea. At first though of course, you are alarmed, and blood enters your mind. I took her to the doctor and they tested her and confirmed that this was a side effect of the Omnicef

I'm 23 and am taking Omnicef capsules for a chronic throat infection. The first night I took the medicine I was up vomiting and then had diarrhea for 2 days. I wasn't sure if it was because of food poisoning or the drug, but regardless, it was horrible. I've also had chronic feelings of nausea and loss of appetite. It's day 7 of the meds on a 10 day regime, and the nausea is making me depressed. My throat is feeling much better though.