Ofloxacin 200mg: Comprehensive Guide
What is a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet used for?
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Serious risks include tendon damage and QT prolongation. Take as prescribed, avoid dairy and antacids within 2 hours.
- Generic Name: Ofloxacin (200mg) + Ornidazole (500mg)
- Manufacturer: Parul Health Care Private Limited
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Category C
- Prescription Required: Yes
💊 a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- Ofloxacin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections including community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections, prostatitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- It is also used for gastrointestinal infections like traveler's diarrhea and typhoid fever.
- Ofloxacin is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Off-label uses: Off-label uses of ofloxacin include treatment of tuberculosis (as part of multidrug regimens), leprosy, and some mycobacterial infections. It may also be used for chronic osteomyelitis and prophylaxis in neutropenic patients. However, these uses are not FDA-approved and should be based on expert guidelines.
Primary treatment for: Bacterial infections
Also treats: Urinary tract infections, Respiratory tract infections, Skin and soft tissue infections, Sexually transmitted infections
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ofloxacin (200mg) + Ornidazole (500mg) |
| Brand Name | a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Parul Health Care Private Limited |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | Antibiotic |
| Action Class | Fluoroquinolone |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (20-25°C), protect from light and moisture. |
| Shelf Life | 2-3 years (check label) |
| WHO Guideline | WHO Model List of Essential Medicines: Ofloxacin is included for treatment of gonorrhea and other infections. |
| ICMR Guideline | ICMR guidelines recommend ofloxacin for treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever and urinary tract infections. |
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. By binding to these enzymes, ofloxacin prevents the supercoiling and uncoiling of bacterial DNA, leading to inhibition of DNA synthesis and bacterial cell death. This mechanism is bactericidal and effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | 200-400 mg twice daily for 7-14 days depending on infection severity and type. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Not recommended for children <18 years due to risk of arthropathy. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific adjustment except based on renal function; start at lower end of dosing range. |
| Renal Impairment | CrCl 20-50 mL/min: 200-400 mg every 24 hours; CrCl <20 mL/min: 200 mg every 24 hours. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment; use caution in severe impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | 800 mg |
Dosage Timeline
⚠️ Side Effects of a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | Increased anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk |
| Theophylline | Major | Increased theophylline levels, risk of toxicity |
| NSAIDs | Major | Increased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures |
| Antacids (Al/Mg) | Moderate | Reduced ofloxacin absorption |
| Sucralfate | Moderate | Reduced ofloxacin absorption |
| Iron supplements | Moderate | Reduced ofloxacin absorption |
| Caffeine | Minor | Increased caffeine levels, possible jitteriness |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin
- Theophylline
- Caffeine
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antidiabetic agents (sulfonylureas)
- QT-prolonging agents (e.g., class IA/III antiarrhythmics)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Cyclosporine
- Methotrexate
- Phenytoin
- Probenecid
- Oral anticoagulants
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of central nervous system side effects (dizziness, drowsiness). Avoid alcohol during treatment.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ofloxacin or any fluoroquinolone; history of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use; children and adolescents (
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
Fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions such as tendonitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Discontinue at first sign of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation. Avoid in patients with a history of myasthenia gravis (may exacerbate muscle weakness). Use with caution in elderly, renal impairment (adjust dose), and those with known QT prolongation or electrolyte disturbances. Avoid excessive sunlight/UV exposure due to photosensitivity risk. Monitor for signs of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Use in children is not recommended due to arthropathy risk.
🤱 Lactation Safety
Ofloxacin is excreted in breast milk. Due to potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infa
💊 Overdose Management
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive care is recommended. No specific antidote. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation, renal function, and CNS effects. Hemodialysis removes only a small amount of ofloxacin (10-20%).
⏰ Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
🔄 Substitutes for a flox or 200mg/500mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
aaltranido o 200mg/500mg tabletAaltramed Healthcare Ltd ₹6.90 91.3% CHEAPER
-
otex oz tabletBiocare Research India Pvt Ltd ₹8.25 89.6% CHEAPER
-
woflox oz 200 mg/500 mg suspensionWockhardt Ltd ₹15.11 80.9% CHEAPER
-
oflavid oz tabletLeeford Healthcare Ltd ₹17.50 77.8% CHEAPER
-
alfox oz 200 mg/500 mg tabletAlliaance Biotech ₹18.75 76.3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Ofloxacin is safe for children with ear infections.
Fact: Ofloxacin is not recommended for children due to risk of joint damage. Other antibiotics are preferred. - Myth: You can stop taking ofloxacin once symptoms improve.
Fact: Always complete the full course to prevent resistance and recurrence.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ofloxacin
Brand Alternatives
- Zanocin
- Oflox
- Tarivid