Ofloxacin+metronidazole
About
Ofloxacin+metronidazole is a combination of antibacterial (ofloxacin) and anti-amoebic (metronidazole) used to treat various infections caused by bacteria and dysentery caused due to amoeba. A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our bodies. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. Amoebic dysentery can be caused due to Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, or Clostridium difficile.
Ofloxacin+metronidazole is a combination of two antibiotics that include Ofloxacin and Metronidazole. Ofloxacin prevents the division of bacterial cells. It also inhibits the repairing of bacterial cells. Both these actions lead to the killing of the bacteria. Metronidazole kills parasites and anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for causing infections. It works by damaging their DNA. Both are bactericidal in nature, and collectively they help in treating the disease effectively.
Take Ofloxacin+metronidazole as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Ofloxacin+metronidazole based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, vomiting, upset of stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and metallic taste. Metronidazole can also cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Most of these side effects of Ofloxacin+metronidazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. If you experience any allergic reaction symptoms such as rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc., please consult your doctor immediately.
It is not advisable to stop taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole suddenly to avoid unpleasant side effects. The full course prescribed by the doctor should be completed. Inform your doctor if you have any lung disease, epilepsy, sleeping disorder, or difficulty sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease, or problem with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Ofloxacin+metronidazole should not be used by the pregnant women (especially during the first trimester), breastfeeding mother and patients with liver diseases, low blood white cells (leukopenia), seizures (fits), gastro intestine diseases (like Crohn's disease, Inflammatory bowel disease etc.) and other neurological related diseases. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery as it can lower your mental alertness and cause dizziness.
Uses of Ofloxacin+metronidazole
Medicinal Benefits
Ofloxacin+metronidazole is a combination of two antibiotics that include Ofloxacin and Metronidazole. Ofloxacin prevents the division of bacterial cells. It also inhibits the repairing of bacterial cells. Both these actions lead to the killing of the bacteria. Metronidazole kills parasites and bacteria that are responsible for causing infections. It works by damaging their DNA. Both are bactericidal in nature.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ofloxacin+metronidazole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to ofloxacin, metronidazole, or any other antibacterial or anti-amoebic agents, please inform your doctor to avoid any unwanted side effects like swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole may increase the chances of developing tendinitis (swelling of a tissue that joins a bone to a muscle) or a tendon rupture. Dairy products should be avoided along with Ofloxacin+metronidazole. And also, exposure to sunlight should be avoided while taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole as it may cause increased phototoxicity or photosensitivity. Patients with an irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation) should tell their doctor before taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole. Some medicines like pain killers (ibuprofen or diclofenac,) anti-asthma (theophylline), anti-diabetic (glibenclamide), anti-gout (probenecid), anti-cancer (5-fluorouracil), antidepressant (lithium), antiepileptic (phenobarbital, phenytoin), blood thinner (warfarin) should not be taken with Ofloxacin+metronidazole to avoid worsening of the condition. Ofloxacin+metronidazole should not be given to the pregnant mother (during the first trimester) and in nursing mothers as it passes into the breast milk. Please inform you, doctor, before taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole if you have a history of problems with your liver, blood, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), nervous system (convulsions). Do not drink alcohol with Ofloxacin+metronidazole as it may cause flushing and drowsiness which can alter your mental alertness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interaction: This medicine may have an interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen or diclofenac,) anti-asthma (theophylline), anti-diabetic (glibenclamide), anti-gout (probenecid), anti-cancer (5-fluorouracil), antidepressant (lithium), antiepileptic (phenobarbital, phenytoin), and blood thinner (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Ofloxacin+metronidazole interacts with dairy products (like milk or yoghurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant, kidney disease, a joint or tendon disorder (rheumatoid arthritis), seizures (fits), low white blood cell count (leukopenia), epilepsy or if you participate in regular physical activity before starting Ofloxacin+metronidazole.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol should not be consumed while taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole to avoid unpleasant side-effects like flushing, lightheadedness, dizzy and drowsy.
Pregnancy
unsafeOfloxacin+metronidazole should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. If you become pregnant while taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole, stop taking the medication, and contact your doctor immediately. Metronidazole should not be given in the first trimester of the pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionOfloxacin+metronidazole passes in the breast milk so the nursing mother should avoid taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole.
Driving
cautionOfloxacin+metronidazole can cause dizziness in some patients. If you feel dizzy, please do not operate the car.
Liver
cautionOfloxacin+metronidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionOfloxacin+metronidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedOfloxacin+metronidazole can be given to the children for typhoid fever, diarrhoea, stomach infection, amoebiasis, abdominal infection, diarrhoea and intestinal infection.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, or chocolate. Ofloxacin+metronidazole may increase nervousness, sleeplessness, and anxiety caused by caffeine.
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Ofloxacin+metronidazole in order to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Certain fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fiber-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fiber-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread, brown rice should be included in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Ofloxacin+metronidazole as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Ofloxacin+metronidazole in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
You should consult a doctor if you have symptoms associated with dehydration like dry mouth, excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, dizziness and lightheadedness.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial Infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. People with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make them more prone to bacterial infection.
Diarrhoea: It is the increase in bowel movement leading to increased and loose motions.
Dysentery: It is inflammation of the intestine, particularly the colon, caused by the bacteria Shigella.
FAQs
It is not advised to take alcohol with Ofloxacin+metronidazole. Taking alcohol while taking Ofloxacin+metronidazole can cause serious side effects such as headaches, feeling or being sick, pain in the stomach, hot flushes, a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, drowsiness, etc.
Ofloxacin+metronidazole makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, known as photosensitivity. So, prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light should be avoided. In case of emergency, you should always wear sunscreen before going out.
If you miss a dose of Ofloxacin+metronidazole, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No. Ofloxacin+metronidazole is an antibacterial medicine that acts only against bacterial infections and not against viral infections . You should not take Ofloxacin+metronidazole without prior consulting your doctor. Self-medication is dangerous and can lower the efficacy of Ofloxacin+metronidazole, leading to antibiotic resistance.
Yes, intake of Ofloxacin+metronidazole may cause dry mouth and you might be feeling thirsty frequently. Try to drink plenty of fluids (water with electrolytes) and probiotics. You may also have a dry lip for which you can use lip balm.
Avoid intake of Ofloxacin+metronidazole if you have a history of problems with your liver, blood or nervous system (convulsions or fits), low white blood cell count (leukopenia).
