— Product
RITEPOD O TAB M/C
CEFPODOXIME 200MG + OFLOXACIN 200MG TAB
RITEPOD O TAB M/C is a tablet combining cefpodoxime 200 mg with ofloxacin 200 mg, pairing a third-generation cephalosporin with a fluoroquinolone. It is used for mixed or resistant infections — complicated urinary tract, respiratory and gynaecological infections — where broader cover than either agent alone is required.
01
Benefits
- Combines two antibiotic classes, broadening cover across Gram-positive, Gram-negative and atypical organisms.
- Ofloxacin adds activity against organisms cefpodoxime does not reliably cover, including Pseudomonas.
- Useful in complicated urinary tract infection and in resistant respiratory infection.
- Both components are well absorbed orally, allowing treatment of relatively serious infection without injection.
- Twice-daily dosing keeps the regimen practical.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache or dizziness
Less common
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Raised liver enzymes on testing
- Skin rash
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon, particularly the Achilles
- Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the hands or feet
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea during or in the weeks after the course
- Seizures, confusion, hallucinations or severe anxiety
- Palpitations or fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
03
Precautions
- Fluoroquinolones can cause tendon damage and rupture, peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, which may be irreversible. Stop at the first sign of tendon pain or new numbness.
- Tendon risk is much higher in the elderly, in patients on corticosteroids, and in transplant recipients.
- Contraindicated in children and adolescents, in pregnancy and in breastfeeding.
- Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or quinolones, in a history of tendon disorder with a quinolone, and in myasthenia gravis.
- Ofloxacin prolongs the QT interval — avoid in known QT prolongation, uncorrected electrolyte disturbance, and alongside other QT-prolonging drugs.
- Separate from antacids, calcium, iron and zinc by at least two hours; note that cefpodoxime also needs gastric acid for absorption.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and maintain good fluid intake.
- A two-antibiotic combination should be reserved for cases where it is genuinely justified — indiscriminate use drives resistance.