Omnicef and rash

My daughter is 18 months old. She has a bad ear infection that doctor thinks that it is lingering since it has started a month ago. Omnicef was her 3rd dose of antibiotics that we tried after amoxicillin and augmentin. After her 2nd dose she started getting red in her cheeks and had loose bowels, after 4th dose she was covered with hives and rash all over her body, worst on her cheeks. After taking her to the doctors office, we were told that she has allergic reaction to omnicef. She was given benadryl (4x 1tspn per day),doctor said it might take a week for the rash to disappear and for the ear infection she was prescribed with zithromax ( 1tspn per day for 3 days). If anybody has experience with this kind of problem, I would appreciate some feedback.

(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 9 month little girl took omnicef and developed a rash after her second dose. I took her to the doctor - they thought she had either roseola or hand foot and mouth.....By the time I got her home that afternoon and some time had passed - it developed more and looked awful. I called the doctor back and she informed me that with roseola or hand, foot and mouth it would get worse before it got better. That night my baby was very uncomfortable, could not sleep and kept trying to scratch the rash through . The next morning, I called the doctor back because by this time she looked like she had a horrible sunburn and it continued to worsen. The pediatrician then thought she was having a reaction, suggested benadryl for two days and then switched her to augmentin. We will begin taking that tomorrow morning - I am a little nervous because I hope not only that it will work but that she will not have any side effects like she had with ominicef. As far as taking omnicef, my other children have taken it and they were fine -but as for my baby I had it documented on her chart at the doctors office and at the pharmacist so that they will stay away from all medicines that are in the omnicef family. I hope that I will never have to see this again nor deal with it. Jenifer

My 4 year old daughter was on omnicef for two days for an ear infection. She is now covered from head to toe in a nasty red rash. The rash on her cheeks looks as though the bumps have all meshed into one huge red bump. Her entire cheeks are bright red. The dr said it was an allergic reaction to the meds and changed her to Septra. I don't want to start her new meds until the rash is gone but it isn't showing signs of improvement as of day 3. I am wondering if anyone could tell me how long the rash lasts? Should I start her new meds for the ear infection anyway? And she is sooooo moody. Her meltdowns are on a nuclear level which is out of character.

My daughter was prescribed Omnicef for an ear infection. Almost a week into the dosing she developed a severe rash all over her body. She also was very "sensitive" while on the meds, which it's hard to tell if it was the meds or just not feeling well. But my son has been on this med before and had the orange/red stools. After reading all of these posts I will never allow him to take this medication again. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that we have seen the worst of her rash and she can start to get on the road to recovery.

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

Omnicef is actually one antibiotic my 2 year old has little trouble with. The red stools are alarming but at least they are solid. Currently he's on Augmentin which has caused horrible rash and loose stools.
The other nice thing about Omnicef is the dosing schedule.Usually once or twice daily depending on the infection. The 3x daily with Augmentin is way too much stress for me to bear,and for him even more so. Seeing his poor little red butt makes me cry with him. Since the two drugs can be used for the same infections, I will be asking for the Omnicef first from now on. Omnicef seems to clear his infections very quickly. The Docs really should forewarn about the red stools though, they are quite scary,even though they are typically harmless.

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.

On april 16 I was prescribed omnicef by my dr. i reminded him and his assistant to all my allergies but his assistant assured me that no one had complained about this. Well guess i wont be going back to his office. I had an ear infection and sore throat. After taking the antibiotic, i had black loose stool and a rash all over my body. I stopped the medecine. I called the dr and was told to stop the medicine. I still have the rash .

My 24 month old daughter was prescribed Omnicef for adenoiditis by her ENT. She is on day 6 of the drug and is experiencing a terrible pimple-like rash over her entire body, and her infection symptoms don't seem to be improving very quickly. She is also very agitated and fearful of things that she is not normally scared of. She has been extremely moody and clingy since taking this drug (not typical of her personality). She also has the maroon stools. I am calling the ENT tomorrow in hope that he will suggest an alternative to this drug, to which she is OBVIOUSLY having a reaction.

My 4 1/2 year old son took his 5th dose today b/c of an ear infetion and almost immediately broke out in severe hives and rashes all over his back and stomach. Went to the Dr. after giving him Benadryl and they said it could either be a viral infection or maybe a reaction to the medicine. They said since his ear was better to stop the medicine. Six hours later, he broke out in severe hives and rashes again this time all over his legs, face and shoulders. My poor son cant stop itching himself. His behavior has also been way off, cranky, irritable and extremely moody. After reading this site, I will never allow any of my kids to take this medication. thanks.

My cousins 5 year old daughter had a horrible experience with onmifef. She also had a terrible ear infection for which the antibiotic was prescribed. She woke up on the 10th day swollen from head to toe, terrible rash all over her body, fever, etc. Took her to pediatrician and he immediately sent her to children's hospital. There they were told by 3 different physicians, serum allergy. I cannot believe a physician would prescribe this after I had seen all the comments on this site. This is just horrible and to hear what all these young children have had to suffer just irritates me to no end. Something must be done about this medication!

my 2 1/2 yr old son took it for an ear infection because ammoxicillin gave him a rash, and the whole week on the medicine is when we first experienced night terrors. every night 3-4 times a night for the whole week. it was horrible.

My 13 month old son also took the drug OMNICEF and has had similar side affects as well. Out of the blue one day after my son had been taking the drug for four days his butt broke out into a horrible rash. I thought nothing of it until it worsened as the days went by. I then figured the drug was causing this problem after a little research. The rash was red, itchy and even made his penis swell up. When I took him to the doctor, she said he had a yeast infection. This yeast infection ate through his skin as if he was burned with fire. Antifungal medicine cleared it up, but his skin is still discolored. He also had diarehha and a red liquidy stool.

I am 46 and was perscribed Omnicef for a sinus infection. I had surgery the next day and did not realize I was having side effects from Omnicef. I have horrible pain in my stomach, entire body has rash and my skin hurts/burns, especially on the back of my calves and my bottom. My face swelled and my neck swelled. My eyes are very swollen. It has been 3 weeks and the side effects have not gone away. I did not know there were such horrible side effects. My doctor has done blood work and urine tests. I do not have the results yet. I will never take this medicine again.

4yr old son w/ear infection/ has been on omnicef for less then 24 hours and has big red rash like blotches especially on his ankles and feet. going to dr in morning/will never give this drug again!

My 19 month old son was given Omnicef for strep throat. Within a day he broke out in a rash all over his body and his lips were swollen. He also had severe stomach pain. Dr. took him off the drug immediately and told me to give Benedryl. Told us to be prepared to take him to the ER if his swelling continued. He then switched to Zithromax and seems to be doing better but the rash is worse. I will never use this drug again.

My 14 month old started on Omnicef three days ago. He has become extremely tired...he can only stay up for about an hour and a half at a time without become so tired he is inconsolable. No strange BMs or rashes (yet). He has had ear infections before without being tired at all.
On a side note : My husband had ankle surgery a month ago and was given Omnicef...no severe reactions there.

Rash -
I have had a sinus infection since last November 2005. I had been prescribed Zithromax, Biaxin twice, Avelox, and then Omnicef in a 7-month period.

The Omnicef, a 21-day dose, was prescribed in July 2006. Two days after I finished taking the Omnicef I began to get a rash. At first I thought it was bug bites because they were on my legs, arms and back.

A week into it I realized these red bumps, that look like bug bites, were in fact more than a bug bite. I treated the bumps with Benadryl and Cortisone cream, the first week I had them, and instead of getting better the bumps were getting worse.

I happen to go to my doctor about day seven of the rash for a scheduled check-up. I asked my doctor about the rash. She seemed concerned and prescribed a Methylpred Pak. The rash began to subside about four days into the Methylpred. By the end of the Methylpred the rash was about 95% gone.

About three days after I completed The Methlpred the rash began to come back with a vengeance. I was actually worse that it was initially and was now spreading to my face. My doctor suggested I go to a dermatologist, which I did.

The dermatologist said that I was having an allergic reaction to the Omnicef and that it was not that uncommon. He prescribed Prednisone. I took the Prednisone for 10 days and again the rash began to get better, but two weeks after I began the Prednisone the rash still was not gone.

The dermatologist again gave me More Prednisone to take, but not as much as the first dose, to get rid of the rash. The rash almost went away with the exception of a couple of bumps. This was as of 9/15/06.

Today is 9/30/06 and as I write this, my back is once again covered in the rash. I am now starting to get it on my lags and arms again as well. Bah! I started taking a Methylpred Pak again this morning. This will make the third time since mid-April.

I remain hopeful that this terrible rash will clear up, as it is uncomfortable and cause for great distress.

My nine month old daughter was on Omnicef for one day and had red colored stools which we thought may be from the tylenol. She also broke out in a rash the second day (red bumps that looked like chicken pox) in a small area, so we watched it. The next day she had the bumps all over her trunk and head...they kept getting worse and multiplied until she was taken off of the medicine! They do worsen in the sunlight! We kept her in only a diaper for about four days and gave her an oatmeal bath and benadryl, and that helped. She also had night terrors where she would wake screaming and shaking which is very unlike her! She was taken off of the Omnicef by the Dr. and put on Zithromax which has been great!

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 .

I took my 18 month old son to the Ped two days ago because he had been running a high fever after a cold so I assumed it was an ear infection. It turned out to be a sinus infection so she prescribed Omnicef. I gave it to him right away and almost immediately started noticing a rash after I had given it to him. I thought maybe it was roseola so I continued giving to him. Last night his fever shot back up to 103. I am not totally sure its the medicine because he has never taken an antibiotic before. I really think it is though.

What a weird thread! Lot of very excitable parents out there! Most of the "side effects" I read here are symptoms of many different diseases...The clay or maroon colored stool is a well known side effect of Omnicef... every time my doctor has prescribed it she has mentioned it to me. My kids (5, 6, and 9) are currently taking Omnicef for Strep infection with no side effects. (except the strep is clearing up!!) They had stomach pain before the Omnicef because that is a symptom of Strep. Maybe your children are manic, grumpy, and not sleeping because they are ILL. It is common for children to "not be themselves" when sick. The rash or hives occurs in .3% of patients and should definitely be discontinued in such circumstances- just the same as when using any other antibiotics! HELLO.

what the heck!!!! this is a very dangerous drug????
diarhea, gas, rash, bad dreams?? is thi sdrug just a experiemental drug doctors use if other medications don't work. CAUTION-REPORTED OF REDDISH BLOODY LOOKING STOOLS WHILE TAKING THIS DRUG!!!! YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY!!! AND STOP THIS MEDICATION!!

My 4 year old daughter has been on omnicef twice for an ear infection. After 8 days the second time she broke out in a rash all over her body. There were large welts and redness on her back stomach, legs, feet, and face. It is very itchy and comes up in one place and then goes away then comes up in other places. The doctor says this is an allergic reaction and could go on for 3 to 4 weeks. She prescribed orapred and recommended oral benadryl to counteract this reaction. The rash has improved but has not gone completely away.

After the second day of this medication, I am feeling very very tired and had to go to bed. I broke out all over my face with a rash similar ro whelps.
I have had no appetite to speak of, but just feel really bad.

15 years old, was put on omnicef for an ear infection I didnt even know I had. Immediately had thin, reddish diarreah. Now have a rash all over body and genitalia. I would not reccomend this "antibiotic" to anyone, seeing as it apparently causes much more serious "side effects" that are for the most part worse than the original issue. The antibiotic has made me sicker than any ear infection. I have experienced loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and vaganial/anal itching/ burning/ rashes.

My six year old daughter was prescribed omnicef for a chronic cough and some upper respiratory infections. She took this drug for ten days. She experienced some bloody diahrrea. Even after completing taking this medicine she experience having more bloody stools. The doctor tested her stool (for cultures) it came back negative. Although she tested positive for blood in her stools. They ordered more test and are possibly thinking about surgery if she does not stop bleeding everytime she has a bowl movement. I am convinced that this medicine had something to do with her bleeding. She has always had normal stools until she started taking this medicine. If anyone is experiencing this side effect well after they have stoped taking omnicef, please contact me. My 2 year old was prescribe this medicine also, he got the worse case of diarreah that I have ever seen. His bottom is still not fully recovered from the rash and it has been a month now. He had the perfect bottom. WARNING DO NOT GIVE THIS ANTIBIOTIC TO YOUR CHILD. THERE ARE WORSE SIDE EFFECTS THAT ARE NOT LISTED.

My son is 23 months old and took Omnicef for 3 doses. He had severe red colored diariah, became quite irritable, had a fever of 104 about an hour after every dose, and had little welts all over his body along with a rash. I called he doctor, and both he and the nurse said they had never heard of any of these types of reactions, except for the diariah...obviously haven't listened to any one who has ever taken this terrible medicine!

My 3 year old and my 19 month old are on Omnicef for strep throat. Both have been cranky since starting the antibiotic. My 3 year old son is who is usually very happy and easy going is a monster. Throwing things, slamming doors, disagreeing with everything. My 19 month old daughter has been having a lot of trouble sleeping and has also been very cranky. They took their last dose this morning and right before lunch my 19 month old broke out in a rash, starting on her legs (looks like tiny pimples). When she woke up from her afternoon nap, she seemed to be constipated. She was straining and contoring her body like she had cramps. She was crying and straining so much I though she was going to vomit. We put her in the tub to see if a warm bath would help with the cramps. She rolled around in the tub in pain (crying the whole time). When we took her out, she didn't want to be touch. She didn't want anything to touch her skin (not even a towel). While we were on the phone with the nurse line trying to decide if we should take her to the emergency room, she stopped crying and decided she wanted a fruit cup. This is some bad stuff. Avoid it.

My 6 year old son had a photosensitive reaction to Omnicef on his 10th and final day. That night it appeared as if he had gotten sunburned but he was also crying that his feet and palms were itchy. The next morning we could see welts on his trunk that moved to his arms and legs. The rash moved around and gradually improved over the next week. But now, three weeks later the welts/hives are back again and seem to be getting worse. They went from his trunk, to his arms and legs, and are now on his face, scalp, and ears, and his feet. Omnicef is not suppose to be photoreactive from what I have read, but this is the only thing that could have caused my son's reaction. My advice - do not take any antibiotic unless the condition is life threatening or will end in a loss of function.