Z-Oflox Tablets (Ofloxacin & Ornidazole)

Description

How to use

One tablet twice daily, twelve hours apart, or exactly as prescribed, taken after food with a full glass of water. Keep at least two hours between the tablet and milk, antacids, iron, calcium, zinc or magnesium supplements and multivitamins, because these bind the ofloxacin component and can eliminate most of the dose. Drink plenty of fluids through the course, and use oral rehydration solution while diarrhoea continues. Complete the prescribed number of days rather than stopping when the stools firm up.

Important warnings

This tablet contains a fluoroquinolone, so the class warnings apply. Stop and contact a doctor immediately for tendon pain, swelling or tenderness, especially the Achilles, for new numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet, or for confusion, hallucinations, severe anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts. Avoid in epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, known long QT syndrome, pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children and adolescents. Avoid strong sunlight. The ornidazole component adds its own risk of nerve symptoms with prolonged use. Report severe or bloody diarrhoea during or up to two months after the course, and never treat it with an anti-diarrhoeal.

Storage

Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, and out of reach of children. Keep the tablets in their blister until each dose. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack. Return unused tablets to the pharmacy rather than keeping them; combination antibiotics are particularly prone to being taken speculatively for any episode of diarrhoea, which is exactly the pattern that drives resistance.