Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet combines two antibiotics, cefixime and ofloxacin, used together to treat certain bacterial infections. It is used for selected urinary tract infections and, in some regions, for typhoid fever where this combination is approved. The two drugs work in different ways to kill bacteria and stop them from multiplying.

What is Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet

This medicine combines two antibiotics, cefixime and ofloxacin, used together to treat bacterial infections. Cefixime belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, while ofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class.

Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet uses

• Treats selected bacterial infections
• Used for certain urinary tract infections
• Used for typhoid fever in regions where this combination is approved
• Provides activity against susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Benefits of Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet

• Cefixime kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls, which helps clear the infection.
• Ofloxacin stops bacteria from copying their DNA, which also helps clear the infection.

How Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet works

Cefixime stops bacteria from building their protective cell walls, which kills them. Ofloxacin blocks enzymes bacteria need to copy their DNA, which stops them from multiplying.

Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth exactly as your doctor has told you. You may take cefixime with or without food. Take the medicine for the full number of days your doctor prescribed, even if you start feeling better. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose — do not double up. Do not stop taking this medicine early just because you feel better, as the infection could come back or get worse. Avoid taking iron, zinc supplements, antacids, or sucralfate within 2 hours of this medicine, as they can stop it from working properly.

Available forms and strengths

• Film-coated tablet
• 200 mg + 200 mg tablet strength

Side effects of Cefixime + Ofloxacin Tablet

Common

• Indigestion, stomach pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Rash
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Chills

Serious

• Allergic reaction: rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue
• Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea (possible Clostridium difficile infection)
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, confusion, or weakness
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Low blood cell counts: sudden weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding
• Kidney problems: little or no urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Severe skin reactions: fever, sore throat, swelling of face or tongue, skin pain with blistering or peeling rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Tendon swelling, pain, or rupture (especially Achilles tendon)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in hands and feet
• Blurred, double, or altered colour vision
• Signs of anaemia: tiredness, faintness, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin
• Mental health changes: confusion, hallucinations, severe depression, or thoughts of self-harm
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, or changes seen on an ECG

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine has been linked to serious and sometimes permanent side effects affecting tendons, nerves, and the nervous system, which can occur together. Stop the medicine immediately and tell your doctor if these happen.
• This medicine can make muscle weakness worse in people with myasthenia gravis and should be avoided in those patients.
• This medicine should not be used by children, growing teenagers, or pregnant or breastfeeding women because it may affect the growth of cartilage.
• Avoid unnecessary sun or UV light exposure during treatment and for two days after stopping, as this medicine can make skin more sensitive to light.
• This medicine can lower blood sugar or raise it, and can cause mental health side effects such as confusion, anxiety, or nervousness.
• People with a history of seizures or conditions affecting the brain should not use this medicine, as it can lower the seizure threshold.
• This medicine's safety in pregnancy is not well established. Ask your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or think you might be.
• It is not known if this medicine is safe while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before taking it if you are breastfeeding.
• People with kidney problems may need a lower dose, and should be monitored closely by their doctor.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have liver problems, as liver damage can occur. Tell your doctor right away if you notice loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, itching, or stomach tenderness.
• Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may cause serious side effects and can increase drowsiness or dizziness.
• This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or vision problems. Know how it affects you before driving or operating machinery, and do not drive if you feel these effects.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Protect from light.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 25°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Stop the medicine and get medical help right away if you have severe watery diarrhoea that won't stop, along with weakness and fever.
• Seek medical help immediately if you notice blistering or peeling skin, especially around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals, along with fever or flu-like symptoms.
• Contact your doctor right away if you develop tendon pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint, as this could signal tendon damage or rupture.
• See an eye specialist immediately if your vision becomes blurred, doubled, or otherwise affected.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have fits (convulsions), confusion, reduced alertness, or unusual muscle movements or stiffness.
• Get medical help if you notice signs of a blood disorder, such as easy bruising, unusual bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea, or loss of appetite, as these may be signs of liver problems.

Alternatives

• Cefixime
• Cefpodoxime
• Cefuroxime