Zanocin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Zanocin Tablet contains ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract, lungs, skin, bones and joints, and reproductive organs. It works by stopping bacteria from growing and is not effective against viral infections. It is available in multiple forms and strengths, but it carries certain precautions, including risks to tendons, nerves and the gut, and is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.

What is Zanocin Tablet

Zanocin is an antibiotic tablet containing ofloxacin, used to treat a range of bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from growing and is not effective against viral infections.

Zanocin Tablet uses

• Complicated urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis and cystitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Prostatitis and epididymo-orchitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynaecological infections
• Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
• Bone and joint infections

Benefits of Zanocin Tablet

• Effective against a broad range of bacteria causing lung, skin, urinary and genital infections
• Works quickly, with effects starting soon after the dose is taken
• Available in multiple strengths and forms to suit different infections and patients

How Zanocin Tablet works

Ofloxacin works by blocking a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase (and topoisomerase IV), which bacteria need to copy and repair their DNA. This stops the bacteria from multiplying and eventually kills them.

Zanocin Tablet dosage

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew it. It can be taken with or without food, though some product information recommends taking it after meals. Complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection returning or bacteria becoming resistant. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to support the kidneys and urinary system. Protect skin from direct sunlight and sunlamps while on treatment, as it can increase sun sensitivity. This medicine is not recommended for use in children due to risk of joint damage.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Infusion
• Syrup
• Eye Drops

Side effects of Zanocin Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Sleeplessness (insomnia)
• Loose stools/diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Fever and chills

Serious

• Allergic reaction with rash, itching/swelling of face, tongue or throat, and breathing difficulty
• Tendon inflammation or tendon rupture
• Severe diarrhoea (possible sign of bowel inflammation)
• Nerve damage causing pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness
• Liver problems including hepatitis and jaundice
• Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)

Warnings and precautions

• Avoid this medicine if you are allergic to it, or if you have tendinitis, a history of tendon rupture, or myasthenia gravis, as it can worsen these conditions.
• This medicine can cause muscle and tendon damage, especially around the ankle, particularly in older people. Tell your doctor if you feel pain, numbness or tingling in your muscles.
• Always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to avoid the bacteria becoming resistant to treatment.
• This medicine may cause severe diarrhoea because it can also kill helpful bacteria in the gut. Tell your doctor if diarrhoea becomes severe.
• Very rare cases of long-lasting, disabling and potentially irreversible side effects affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, mental health and the senses have been reported with this class of antibiotics. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.
• This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the developing baby. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant.
• This medicine is not recommended while breastfeeding because it can pass into breast milk. Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits before use.
• People with kidney problems should use this medicine with caution, as reduced kidney function can cause the drug to build up in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
• This medicine should be used cautiously in people with mild to moderate liver problems and is not recommended for those with severe liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have liver issues before starting treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• This medicine can cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store below 30°C
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Use before the expiry date printed on the pack

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor if you develop tendon pain or swelling, such as in the ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder or knee, and rest the affected area.
• If you notice numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in your hands, arms, feet or legs, stop the medicine and tell your doctor immediately to prevent lasting nerve damage.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have had a serious reaction to a quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the past before starting this medicine again.

Alternatives

• Ciprofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Azithromycin