comeba suspension - Metronidazole (100mg) + Norfloxacin (100mg) medicine

Bacigyl-N Suspension: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 24, 2026
🤰 Pregnancy Category Metronidazole is generally considered safe in pregnancy when clearly needed, but norfloxacin is not recommended due to potential risk of cartilage damage in the developing fetus. This combination should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Consult your doctor. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Moderate for individual components; limited for the specific combination.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 24, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Sudden tendon pain or swelling
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of face
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is comeba suspension used for?

This medicine is a prescription antibiotic suspension containing Metronidazole and Norfloxacin. It is used to treat infectious diarrhea, amebic dysentery, and giardiasis. It works by killing bacteria and parasites in the gut. It should be taken exactly as prescribed, and alcohol must be avoided.

  • Generic Name: Metronidazole + Norfloxacin
  • Manufacturer: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 comeba suspension के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा मेट्रोनिडाजोल और नोरफ्लोक्सासिन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग संक्रामक दस्त, अमीबिक पेचिश और गियार्डिया के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह आंतों में बैक्टीरिया और परजीवियों को मारती है। इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, धातु जैसा स्वाद, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द और चक्कर आना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में टेंडन टूटना, तंत्रिका क्षति, दौरे और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। बीच में न छोड़ें। शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें। पर्याप्त पानी पिएं। एंटासिड या आयरन की गोलियों के साथ सेवन न करें। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 comeba suspension Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Infectious diarrhea","description":"Used to treat diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella species.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Amebic dysentery","description":"Effective against Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite that causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Giardiasis","description":"Treats infection with Giardia lamblia, a parasite that causes prolonged diarrhea and malabsorption.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bacterial vaginosis","description":"Metronidazole component is effective, but norfloxacin is not typically used for this indication; combination is not standard.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Diverticulitis","description":"Sometimes used in combination regimens for acute diverticulitis, but not a standard first-line choice.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Pelvic inflammatory disease","description":"May be used as part of a broader regimen, but norfloxacin is not a preferred agent.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Infectious diarrhea

Also treats: Amebic dysentery, Giardiasis, Bacterial gastroenteritis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Metronidazole + Norfloxacin
Brand NameBacigyl-N Suspension
ManufacturerAlembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassGASTRO INTESTINAL
Action ClassAntibiotic, Antiprotozoal
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Shake well before each use.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine with food to reduce stomach upset.
2
Shake the bottle well before each dose.
3
Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for 48 hours after.
4
Complete the full course even if you feel better.
5
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
6
Do not take antacids or iron supplements within 2 hours of this medicine.
7
Report any tendon pain, numbness, or rash immediately.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

❌
Chronic joint pain
This medicine is not used for joint pain.
Not Primary
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary
✅
Bloody diarrhea
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this.
Likely Use
✅
Watery diarrhea
May be used if bacterial or parasitic cause suspected.
Likely Use

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionMetronidazole is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability exceeding 80%. Norfloxacin is absorbed orally but its absorption is reduced by food and antacids. The suspension form may have slightly different absorption characteristics compared to tablets.
DistributionMetronidazole distributes widely into body tissues and fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and breast milk. Norfloxacin distributes into tissues but achieves lower concentrations in plasma compared to other fluoroquinolones.
Protein BindingMetronidazole is less than 20% bound to plasma proteins. Norfloxacin is approximately 10-15% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismMetronidazole is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, into hydroxy and acid metabolites. Norfloxacin undergoes limited hepatic metabolism.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of metronidazole is approximately 6-8 hours. Norfloxacin has a half-life of about 3-4 hours.
ExcretionMetronidazole and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine, with some fecal excretion. Norfloxacin is excreted mainly unchanged in the urine and bile.
BioavailabilityMetronidazole oral bioavailability is about 80-100%. Norfloxacin oral bioavailability is approximately 30-40%.
Onset of ActionOnset of action for metronidazole is within 1-2 hours; for norfloxacin, peak effects occur within 1-2 hours after oral administration.
Peak Plasma TimeMetronidazole reaches peak plasma concentration in 1-2 hours. Norfloxacin reaches peak plasma concentration in 1-2 hours.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action for metronidazole is about 8-12 hours; for norfloxacin, it is about 12 hours. However, clinical effects depend on the infection being treated.

How It Works

This medicine combines two antibiotics with distinct mechanisms. Metronidazole enters anaerobic organisms and forms reactive metabolites that damage DNA, leading to cell death. Norfloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication and repair. The combination targets both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, providing broad coverage in the gut.

Mechanism Steps

1
Metronidazole uptake: Metronidazole diffuses into anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, where its nitro group is reduced by ferredoxin-like proteins.
2
DNA damage by metronidazole: The reduced metronidazole forms reactive radicals that bind to DNA, causing strand breakage and inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis.
3
Norfloxacin uptake: Norfloxacin enters bacteria through porin channels and inhibits DNA gyrase, preventing DNA supercoiling.
4
Bacterial death: The combined effects block DNA replication and repair, leading to bacterial cell death and resolution of infection.

💡 How to Take comeba suspension

Strength: Each 5 mL of suspension contains Metronidazole 100 mg and Norfloxacin 100 mg.

1Shake the bottle well before each use.
2Measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring cup or syringe.
3Take orally with or without food, but with food if it upsets your stomach.
4Swallow the suspension; do not chew.
5Drink a full glass of water after taking the dose.
6Take at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed.
7Do not skip doses or stop early.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this suspension is 5 mL (containing 100 mg metronidazole and 100 mg norfloxacin) taken orally twice daily, or as directed by your physician. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of infection, typically 5 to 7 days. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-adjust the dose.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may have reduced kidney function and are more susceptible to side effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Use with caution and monitor closely.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment is required. For norfloxacin, creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min requires dose reduction. Metronidazole dose may also need adjustment in severe renal impairment. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with severe liver disease, metronidazole dose should be reduced due to impaired metabolism. Norfloxacin should be used with caution. Monitor liver function closely.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is 10 mL (200 mg metronidazole and 200 mg norfloxacin) in divided doses, but this may vary based on indication and physician's judgment.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Dairy products
Separate by 2 hours
Calcium reduces norfloxacin absorption.
Alcohol
Avoid
Can cause disulfiram-like reaction.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of comeba suspension

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food or milk to reduce nausea. If it persists, consult your doctor.
Metallic taste (Common (5-10%))
This usually resolves after treatment ends. Chewing sugar-free gum may help.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and stay hydrated. Consult doctor if severe or persistent.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Abdominal pain (Common (5-10%))
Take with food. If pain is severe, contact your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Tendon rupture (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden tendon pain, swelling, or inability to move a joint.
Peripheral neuropathy (Rare (<0.1%))
Report numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet to your doctor immediately.
Seizures (Rare (<0.1%))
Call emergency services if you experience convulsions or loss of consciousness.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek emergency care for rash, swelling of face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Blood dyscrasias (Rare (<0.1%))
Report unusual bruising, bleeding, or signs of infection to your doctor.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Pancreatitis
Seek immediate care for severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.
Hepatitis
Report yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or right upper abdominal pain.
Interstitial nephritis
Report decreased urine output, swelling, or blood in urine.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Alcohol Major
Antacids Major
Theophylline Major
Cimetidine Moderate
Phenytoin Moderate
Lithium Moderate
Caffeine Minor
Iron supplements Minor
Dairy products Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Alcohol
  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
  • Theophylline

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Cimetidine
  • Phenytoin
  • Lithium

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol must be strictly avoided while taking this medicine and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and rapid heartbeat. This reaction can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention if it occurs.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known allergy to metronidazole, norfloxacin, or other fluoroquinolones","Myasthenia gravis","History of tendon disorders with fluoroquinolones","Pregnancy (especially first trimester) unless clearly needed","Breastfeeding","Severe liver disease","Severe kidney disease (dose adjustment needed)","Children under 18 years (norfloxacin not recommended)","Alcohol use during treatment"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Avoid alcohol during and for 48 hours after treatment.","May cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","May cause photosensitivity; avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen.","Serious tendon reactions can occur; stop and consult doctor if tendon pain occurs.","Peripheral neuropathy may occur; report numbness or tingling.","May worsen muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis; avoid use.","Use with caution in patients with epilepsy or CNS disorders.","May cause blood sugar disturbances; monitor if diabetic.","Do not use for viral infections; it is ineffective.","Complete the full course to prevent resistance."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Metronidazole passes into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Norfloxacin also passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine. If treatment is essential, discuss with your doctor about temporary cessation of breastfeeding or alternative options.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures or tendon damage. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Gastric lavage may be considered if within 1-2 hours of ingestion. Monitor vital signs and provide supportive care.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose, as it can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Do not take antacids or iron supplements within two hours of this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, epilepsy, or myasthenia gravis. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy. Keep out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are at higher risk of tendon rupture, kidney impairment, and CNS effects. Dose adjustment may be needed based on renal function. Monitor closely for side effects.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Norfloxacin is not recommended during pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on this medicine and discuss alternatives.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon if you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It may interact with anesthetics and other medications. Your doctor may advise stopping it temporarily.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine. It may interact with certain antibiotics used in dentistry. Maintain good oral hygiene.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
🥗
Drink safe, clean water.
😴
Eat freshly cooked food.
💧
Avoid street food and raw foods during treatment.
🧘
Get adequate rest to aid recovery.
🌞
Stay hydrated with oral rehydration solutions.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of tendon injury. Light activity is fine if you feel up to it.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and toast.
Avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods.
Stay well hydrated with water and oral rehydration solutions.
Include probiotics like yogurt after completing the course.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Take rest as needed. It is advisable to stay home while you are contagious.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to relapse and antibiotic resistance. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately for advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine may lead to antibiotic resistance, gut flora imbalance, and rare but serious effects like peripheral neuropathy or tendon damage. It is not intended for prolonged use. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be needed if used for extended periods.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Oral rehydration therapy

Essential for managing dehydration from diarrhea.

Evidence: Well-established
Probiotics

May help restore gut flora after antibiotic treatment.

Evidence: Moderate
Zinc supplementation

Can reduce duration of diarrhea in children.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines like typhoid vaccine. Avoid taking live vaccines during treatment. Consult your doctor for vaccination timing.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing intervals as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. Keep it in your carry-on luggage.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man with acute diarrhea
He was prescribed this medicine for infectious diarrhea. After 2 days, his symptoms improved significantly. He completed the 5-day course and avoided alcohol as advised. He reported mild nausea initially, which subsided when he took it with food.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food reduces nausea, and completing the course prevents relapse.
👤 A 28-year-old woman with giardiasis
She had prolonged diarrhea and bloating. After diagnosis, she was given this suspension. She experienced a metallic taste but completed the treatment. Her symptoms resolved completely within a week.
💡 Lesson: Metallic taste is a common but temporary side effect. Adherence to the full course is crucial for cure.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: You may start feeling better within 1-2 days, but complete the full course as prescribed.

Q: Can I take this with other medicines?

A: Inform your doctor about all medicines you take, especially warfarin, antacids, and theophylline.

Q: Is it safe during pregnancy?

A: Norfloxacin is not recommended in pregnancy. Consult your doctor for alternatives.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for comeba suspension

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can cure any type of diarrhea.
    Fact: It only works for specific bacterial and parasitic infections. Viral diarrhea will not respond.
  • Myth: You can stop taking it once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full course to prevent resistance and relapse.
  • Myth: It is safe to drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
    Fact: Alcohol can cause a severe reaction with metronidazole. Avoid completely.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Metronidazole + Norfloxacin suspension (generic)

Brand Alternatives

  • Bacigyl-N Suspension

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Metronidazole + Norfloxacin","composition":"Metronidazole 100mg + Norfloxacin 100mg per 5mL","uses":"Infectious diarrhea, amebic dysentery, giardiasis","notes":"Combination covers anaerobes and aerobes."},{"medicine":"Metronidazole + Ofloxacin","composition":"Metronidazole 100mg + Ofloxacin 100mg per 5mL","uses":"Similar indications","notes":"Ofloxacin has broader spectrum but similar use."},{"medicine":"Norfloxacin alone","composition":"Norfloxacin 100mg per 5mL","uses":"Bacterial diarrhea","notes":"Does not cover anaerobes or parasites."}]

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