Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

Ofloxacin + ornidazole is a prescription combination that is used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections. It is prescribed for conditions such as diarrhoea, dysentery, urinary tract infections, tooth infections, foot ulcers and certain pelvic or gynaecological infections. Ofloxacin belongs to the class of fluoroquinolone drugs, and ornidazole belongs to the nitroimadazole drugs. The combination works by killing infection-causing bacteria and protozoa. Ofloxacin + ornidazole may have some side effects, such as nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness and reduced appetite.

Uses of Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

Ofloxacin and ornidazole is used for bacterial and protozoal infections such as urinary tract infections, tooth infections, foot ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery and certain pelvic or gynaecological infections.

• Treat urinary tract infections: Ofloxacin + ornidazole can be used as medicine for urinary tract infections, as they target both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria along with protozoa by altering their processes for DNA replication.
• Treat soft tissue infections: Ofloxacin + ornidazole medicines can be used to treat skin infections such as soft tissue or foot ulcers by targeting both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
• Treat diarrhoea and dysentery: Ofloxacin + ornidazole medicines are used to treat gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhoea and dysentery by stopping the cell growth and DNA replication in bacterial and protozoal cells. 
• Treat certain pelvic or gynaecological infections: Ofloxacin + ornidazole medicines are used for terat pelvic infections, as the combination is effective against a broad variety of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
• Treat tooth infections: Ofloxacin + ornidazole medicines may sometimes be prescribed for dental abscesses caused by bacteria. Only use this combination under the guidance of a doctor. 

Available Forms & Strengths in India

Available Form - Tablet

Common Strength – Ofloxacin 200 mg + Ornidazole 500 mg per tablet

These tablets are typically taken as per the physician's advice, with dosage adjustments based on the severity of the infection and the patient's condition.

How Ofloxacin + Ornidazole Work

The combination of ofloxacin and ornidazole works by blocking the enzymes and damaging the DNA of bacteria and protozoa. 

• Ofloxacin: It works by blocking enzymes responsible for the growth of bacteria. This action results in the death of bacterial cells.
• Ornidazole: It works by damaging the DNA, leading to the death of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. 

Benefits of Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

The combination of ofloxacin and ornidazole may have various benefits along with treating multiple bacterial and protozoal infections. 

• Targets a broad spectrum of bacteria and protozoa
• Helps in reducing gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhoea and dysentery
• Helps in eliminating vulnerable bacteria for multiple infections
• Provides antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects in one medicine

How to Take Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

Ofloxacin and ornidazole tablets should be taken in the dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole
• Do not crush, break or chew the tablet
• Take the doses at the prescribed time and intervals
• Do not double dose
• Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Drink enough fluids, especially if you have diarrhoea or vomiting

Side Effects of Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

Ofloxacin and ornidazole medicine may have some side effects; the intensity may vary individually. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or severe diarrhoea. 

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache 
• Dizziness
• Reduced appetite

Less common side effects

• Skin itching or rashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue or weakness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Changes in CBC
• Changes in blood glucose levels

Rare side effects

• Severe joint pain or inflammation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Seizures
• Hallucinations and confusion
• Swelling of face and throat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Drug interactions

Ofloxacin + Ornidazole may interact with other medicines, affecting safety or increasing the risk of adverse effects.

• Blood thinners: Combining the ofloxacin + ornidazole medicines along with blood thinners such as warfarin increases the chances of bleeding.
• Antacid and mineral supplements: Antacid and mineral supplements such as calcium, zinc or iron block the absorption of or ofloxacin in the gut and make the antibiotic ineffective.
• NSAIDs: Combining NSAIDs with ofloxacin + ornidazole tablets can increase the risk of seizure or CNS stimulation. 
• Corticosteroids: Combining corticosteroids with ofloxacin + ornidazole may lead to tendon damage or inflammation and immunity suppression. 
• Heart rhythm medicines: Medicines such as amiodarone and sotalol may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms along with ofloxacin.

Food interactions

Food and beverages may also affect the absorption and effectiveness of ornidazole and ofloxacin tablets.

• Dairy or calcium-rich foods: Calcium-rich foods block the absorption of ofloxacin in the stomach.
• Caffeine: Ofloxacin + Ornidazole tablets slow down the breakdown of caffeine in the body and may cause jitteriness, anxiety or nervousness.
• Alcohol: Consuming alcohol with an ofloxacin + ornidazole tablet may worsen dizziness, nausea or gastric irritation.

Safety Advice

The ornidazole + ofloxacin should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor and used exactly as prescribed.

• Do not self-medicate or frequently use it for mild diarrhoea, as this may cause antibiotic resistance
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor of any liver or kidney disease before taking this medicine
• Inform your doctor about the medical conditions, such as tendon injuries or nervous system disorders.
• Ofloxacin may cause increased sensitivity to the sunlight
• Avoid dealing with heavy machinery or driving if you feel dizzy
• Use in children only when prescribed by a doctor.