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Introduction About OFM TABLET
OFM TABLET is a combination of Metronidazole and Ofloxacin, which belong to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. OFM TABLET is used to manage different kinds of bacterial and parasitic infections (caused by different kinds of bacteria or parasites), diarrhea (loose, watery stools that occur more often than usual), systemic infection (an infection that is in the bloodstream), urinary tract infections (infection in kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) and genital infections (infection in male or female genital organs).
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems, kidney problems, a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction), a family history of prolonged QT interval, a weak heart (heart failure) and a very slow heart rhythm (bradycardia). Consult your doctor before taking it.
OFM TABLET is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. The most common side effects of OFM TABLET are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, headache, dry mouth, an unpleasant metallic taste and mouth or tongue irritation. Consult your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Uses Of OFM TABLET
- Manage bacterial and parasitic infections
- Manage systemic infection (an infection that is in the bloodstream)
- Manage urinary tract infections (infection in kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra)
- Manage genital infections
How OFM TABLET Works
OFM TABLET helps to reduce infections caused by different bacteria or parasites, whereas Metronidazole works by inhibiting the protein synthesis in the cells of various bacteria and parasites which gradually leads to cell death. Ofloxacin works by managing bacterial growth (DNA replication) which leads to cell death.
How to use OFM TABLET
Always take OFM TABLET as directed by your physician. Take this medicine with or without food, swallow the medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Do not stop taking OFM TABLET without informing your doctor.
Side Effects Of OFM TABLET
Common
- vomiting
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- upset stomach
- abdominal cramps
- loss of appetite
- headache
- dry mouth
- unpleasant metallic taste
- mouth or tongue irritation
Uncommon
- irritated or burning eyes
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling dizzy
- agitation, feeling restless
- cough and inflamed sore nose or throat (nasopharyngitis)
- fungal infection
- skin rash or itching
Rare
- loss of appetite
- fast heartbeat
- drowsiness
- feeling confused or anxious
- nightmares
- seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there
- depression and mental illness
- changes in or loss of sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- changes in levels of liver enzymes or bilirubin
- hot flushes and excessive sweating
- changes in kidney function tests
- fainting
- lightheadedness or dizzy
- hives (urticaria)
- rash with pimples
Stop taking OFM TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you have:
- allergic reaction with symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, itching, difficulty breathing
- skin rashes with blistering, peeling or bleeding of the skin around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- serious but very rare side effect is a brain disease (encephalopathy)
- mouth ulcers, bruising, unexpected infections, bleeding gums or severe tiredness
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- severe stomach pain
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea or vomiting:
Take this medicine with meals or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil-rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices, to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Constipation:
Eat more fiber, especially soluble fiber foods like beans, oats, oat bran, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, etc. Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage constipation. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Headache:
Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm to the head if required. Do not consume alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
OFM TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Breastfeeding
OFM TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel sleepy or dizzy or could affect your eyesight after taking OFM TABLET.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking OFM TABLET because it might cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hot flushes, stomach pain, very fast or uneven heartbeat and headache.
Kidney
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems and patients undergoing kidney dialysis. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Liver
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Allergy
Do not take OFM TABLET if you are allergic to metronidazole, ofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Heart Disease
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in patients who experienced aortic dissection (a tear in the aorta wall) and in patients with a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction), family history of the prolonged QT interval, weak heart (heart failure), very slow heart rhythm (bradycardia) Consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
OFM TABLET is not recommended for you, if you:
- suffer from epilepsy
- have a history of inflammation and swelling of the tendons
Before taking OFM TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have been diagnosed with an enlargement of large blood vessels (aortic aneurysm)
- ever had a history of mental illness
- have a salt imbalance
- have a disease of the nervous system or suffering from a nervous system disorder called myasthenia gravis
- you are diabetic
Use in Pediatrics:
OFM TABLET is not recommended for children. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in Geriatrics:
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in the elderly. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking OFM TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
- warfarin (anticoagulants)
- lithium (used to manage mental illness)
- phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbitone (used to manage epilepsy)
- 5 fluorouracil, busulfan (used to manage cancer)
- ciclosporin (immunosuppressant)
- disulfiram
- quinidine, hydroquinidine, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide, disopyramide, amiodarone (anti-arrhythmic)
- clomipramine, amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressants)
- erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin (antibiotics)
- iron or zinc (dietary supplements)
- magnesium or aluminium (antacids)
- corticosteroids
- ibuprofen or diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- theophylline (used to manage asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- glibenclamide (used to control blood sugar)
- cimetidine (used to manage stomach ulcers)
- probenecid (used to manage gout)
- methotrexate (used to manage rheumatism)
- doesanosine (used to manage HIV infections)
- furosemide (water tablets or diuretics)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally receive too much of OFM TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Metronidazole, Ofloxacin |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Nitroimidazole antibiotic, Quinolone antibiotic |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Bacterial and parasitic infections, diarrhea, systemic infection, urinary tract infections and genital infections |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Syrup, Suspension, Oral Suspension |
More Information
- Keep OFM TABLET out of reach from children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About OFM TABLET
I am presently undergoing kidney dialysis. Can I take OFM TABLET?
OFM TABLET should be used with caution in patients undergoing dialysis. Since dialysis purifies intoxicants and other materials in the blood, OFM TABLET can also be removed. So, the effect of OFM TABLET might be reduced. It is better to inform your doctor if you are on dialysis and you are taking OFM TABLET.
Can I drive after taking OFM TABLET?
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel sleepy or dizzy or if it could affect your eyesight after taking OFM TABLET. Since OFM TABLET is an antibiotic, it will affect the body’s normal functioning. So, it is advised not to drive or operate any machinery.
Can breast-feeding women take OFM TABLET?
A few clinical trial studies show that OFM TABLET passes through the breast milk from mother to infant while breastfeeding. So, OFM TABLET is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Does OFM TABLET cause vomiting?
Since vomiting is the most common side effect observed for OFM TABLET, it may cause vomiting. So, eat simple meals and avoid oily or spicy foods and take this medicine with or just after meals. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
How many doses of OFM TABLET can I take in a day?
Take OFM TABLET as advised by your physician. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Does OFM TABLET cause a metallic taste?
Yes, the use of OFM TABLET may cause a metallic taste, but it does not last longer. It can be reduced by brushing your teeth after meals or chewing sugar-free gum or mints. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
References
1. KD Tripathi, Anti-microbial drugs and Beta-lactam Antibiotics, Essentials of medical pharmacology, Seventh edition. 2013 Page 894 & 713.
2. Connor B. Weir; Jacqueline K. Le., Metronidazole. National Library of Medicine. [Revised April 2022] [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539728/
3. Medline Plus. Metronidazole. National Library of Medicine. [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689011.html
4. Medline Plus. Ofloxacin. National Library of Medicine. [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a691005.html
5. JB Chemicals. NOR METROGYL-O, CIMS. [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://www.mims.com/india/drug/info/nor%20metrogyl-o
6. Rx Pharma. Metronidazole. [Revised Aug 2019] [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11952.pdf
7. Gerard Laboratories, Ofloxacin. [Revised Nov 2021] [Accessed 22 June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8481.pdf
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