Ofloxacin+flavoxate
About
Ofloxacin+flavoxate belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract (kidney and bladder). Ofloxacin+flavoxate helps relieve symptoms which may occur due to the infection such as painful urination, inability to control urine flow, and excessive urination at night. Urinary tract infections are caused by microbes such as bacteria and can affect the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that run between them.
Ofloxacin+flavoxate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ofloxacin (quinolone antibiotic) and Flavoxate (anti-spasmodic). Ofloxacin prevents the bacteria from repairing and reproducing themselves, thereby kills the bacteria. Flavoxate relaxes the muscles of the urinary bladder, thereby helps in preventing frequent urination, and excessive or uncontrolled urination.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, and headache. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Ofloxacin+flavoxate contains ofloxacin which might increase the chances of developing tendinitis (swelling of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) or having a tendon rupture (tearing of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle). Consult your doctor before taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Ofloxacin+flavoxate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Ofloxacin+flavoxate should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol while taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Uses of Ofloxacin+flavoxate
Medicinal Benefits
Ofloxacin+flavoxate belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract (kidney and bladder). Ofloxacin+flavoxate helps to relieve symptoms which may occur due to the infection such as painful urination, inability to control urine flow, and excessive urination at night. Ofloxacin+flavoxate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ofloxacin (quinolone antibiotic) and Flavoxate (anti-spasmodic). Ofloxacin prevents the bacteria from repairing and reproducing themselves, thereby kills the bacteria. Flavoxate relaxes the muscles of the urinary bladder, thereby helps in preventing frequent urination, and excessive or uncontrolled urination.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ofloxacin+flavoxate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ofloxacin+flavoxate if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction in food passage, muscular inability to swallow, urinary retention, glaucoma, seizures or muscle weakness. Ofloxacin+flavoxate contains ofloxacin which might increase the chances of developing tendinitis (swelling of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) or having a tendon rupture (tearing of a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle). Talk to your doctor before taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate if you have mental illness, nervous, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Ofloxacin+flavoxate may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Ofloxacin+flavoxate should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Ofloxacin+flavoxate as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ofloxacin+flavoxate may interact with anticonvulsant (topiramate, valproic acid), antihistamine (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine), anti-anxiety (alprazolam and duloxetine), pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen), anti-spasmodic (oxybutynin), anti-depressant (fluoxetine), antibiotic (azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin), corticosteroid (dexamethasone), diuretic (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have urinary obstruction, gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma, colitis (inflammation of the colon), CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), tendonitis (inflammation of tendons), and heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate. Alcohol intake, along with Ofloxacin+flavoxate, may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe you Ofloxacin+flavoxate only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Ofloxacin+flavoxate or not.
Driving
cautionOfloxacin+flavoxate may cause dizziness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeOfloxacin+flavoxate should not be used by children, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Pelvic floor exercises would help treat bladder spasms.
- Avoid foods like sugars, carbonated beverages, tea, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate and tea.
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.
- Do not hold in the urine for longer periods.
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol or caffeine.
- Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Urinary tract infections (UTI): UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system- the kidneys, bladder or urethra. A bladder infection may cause an increased urge to urinate, pelvic pain, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. A kidney infection may cause tenderness and pain in the back, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. The causes of UTI include a weak immune system, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, prolonged use of urinary catheters, diabetes, poor bathroom hygiene, sexual activity and age. Urinary tract infections are contagious and can spread to other body parts easily. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in preventing further complications.
FAQs
Ofloxacin+flavoxate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Ofloxacin (quinolone antibiotic) and Flavoxate (anti-spasmodic). Ofloxacin prevents the bacteria from repairing and reproducing themselves, thereby kills the bacteria. Flavoxate relaxes the muscles of the urinary bladder, thereby helps in preventing frequent urination, excessive or uncontrolled urination.
Ofloxacin+flavoxate contains ofloxacin which may cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) in some people. Always wear sunscreen before going out and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Ofloxacin+flavoxate may cause stomach upset as a side-effect. To avoid this, take Ofloxacin+flavoxate with food.
Avoid drinking tea, coffee (caffeinated drinks), and carbonated beverages as they might increase the urine flow and cause worsening of symptoms.
Ofloxacin+flavoxate contains an antibiotic that kills or prevents bacterial growth, so in case some good intestinal bacteria which aid in digestion might also get killed, due to this diarrhoea might occur as a side-effect of Ofloxacin+flavoxate. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
To treat your condition effectually, do not stop taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate on your own. Continue taking Ofloxacin+flavoxate for as long as it has been prescribed to you.
