— Product
OFLOROS-M SUS 60ML
OFLOXACIN + METRONIDAZOLE
OFLOROS-M SUS 60ML is an oral suspension combining ofloxacin with metronidazole. It is used for infective diarrhoea and dysentery where both bacterial and protozoal or anaerobic organisms may be responsible, with the dose set by the prescriber.
01
Benefits
- Ofloxacin covers the common bacterial causes of infective diarrhoea including Shigella, Salmonella and Escherichia coli.
- Metronidazole covers Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia and anaerobic organisms.
- Empirical cover across both groups is useful in mixed or undiagnosed infective diarrhoea.
- The suspension allows dosing by weight and suits patients who cannot swallow tablets.
- Metronidazole is long established and inexpensive, with a well-characterised profile in amoebic dysentery.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Metallic taste, which is prominent with metronidazole
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache or dizziness
Less common
- Dark urine
- Furred tongue or oral thrush
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Skin rash
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet
- Seizures, confusion or hallucinations
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea during or in the weeks after the course
- Flushing, sweating, vomiting and rapid heartbeat after alcohol
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
03
Precautions
- Metronidazole causes a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose.
- Fluoroquinolones can cause tendon damage, peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, which may be permanent.
- Contraindicated in children and adolescents because of the fluoroquinolone, in pregnancy — particularly the first trimester — and in breastfeeding.
- Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to quinolones or nitroimidazoles, and in myasthenia gravis.
- Prolonged or repeated metronidazole courses can cause peripheral neuropathy; avoid extended treatment.
- Separate from antacids, calcium, iron and zinc by at least two hours.
- Rehydration is the priority in acute diarrhoea; antibiotics are an adjunct.
- Shake well before each dose, use the measure supplied, and avoid excessive sun exposure.