Nitazoxanide 500 mg + Ofloxacin 200 mg

Nitazoxanide 500 mg + Ofloxacin 200 mg — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is mainly prescribed for infectious diarrhoea and gastrointestinal infections where both bacterial and protozoal organisms may be responsible.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Acute infectious diarrhoea
• Traveller's diarrhoea
• Mixed bacterial and protozoal gut infections
• Dysentery caused by susceptible organisms

HOW IT WORKS

• Nitazoxanide interferes with the energy metabolism of protozoa and anaerobic bacteria, stopping their growth
• Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that blocks enzymes bacteria need to copy their DNA, killing susceptible bacteria
• Together they cover a broader range of organisms that commonly cause diarrhoeal illness

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Viral diarrhoea or common stomach upset
• Diarrhoea caused only by dietary indiscretion
• Chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome
• Infections unrelated to the gut, such as skin or respiratory infections, unless specifically advised by a doctor

Always take this medicine only for the condition your doctor has prescribed it for, and complete the full course even if you feel better early.

How to Use Nitazoxanide 500 mg + Ofloxacin 200 mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with food to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine
• Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve earlier
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as fluoroquinolones can increase skin sensitivity
• Do not take antacids, iron or calcium supplements at the same time as this medicine; separate doses by a few hours

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date
• Dispose of any unused medicine safely as advised by your pharmacist

Nitazoxanide 500 mg + Ofloxacin 200 mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or loose stools

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Metallic or bitter taste
• Yellow discoloration of urine
• Skin rash or itching

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips or throat, and difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially with blood, which may indicate a new infection
• Tendon pain, swelling or sudden difficulty moving a joint (tendon rupture risk with Ofloxacin)
• Irregular heartbeat, palpitations or fainting
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine
• Seizures, confusion, or unusual mood changes

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Nitazoxanide 500 mg + Ofloxacin 200 mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be taken only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to nitazoxanide, ofloxacin, or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• Have a history of tendon disorders linked to fluoroquinolones
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Are a child, unless prescribed by a paediatrician

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a heart rhythm problem or take medicines that affect heart rhythm
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have diabetes, as blood sugar changes can occur
• Are elderly, as tendon problems are more common

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Antacids, sucralfate, or supplements containing calcium, iron or zinc
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT prolonging drugs)
• Oral diabetes medicines or insulin
• Theophylline and certain other drugs metabolised by the liver
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase risk of seizures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop the medicine once I feel better?

No, complete the full course as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking this medicine.

Is it safe to take with milk or dairy products?

• Dairy products can reduce absorption of ofloxacin, so avoid taking them at the same time as the medicine.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.