Apcin OZ 250mg/500mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Sudden joint pain or swelling
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is levoquin oz tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination antibiotic containing levofloxacin 250 mg and ornidazole 500 mg. It is used to treat mixed bacterial and protozoal infections, especially gastrointestinal infections like amoebic dysentery and giardiasis. It works by killing bacteria and protozoa. It is a prescription medicine and must be taken exactly as directed. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment.
- Generic Name: Levofloxacin (250mg) + Ornidazole (500mg)
- Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 levoquin oz tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा लेवोफ्लोक्सासिन और ओर्निडाजोल का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग विभिन्न जीवाणु और प्रोटोज़ोआ संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह मुख्य रूप से पेट और आंतों के संक्रमण जैसे अमीबिक पेचिश और जियार्डिया के लिए निर्धारित की जाती है। यह दवा कीटाणुओं को मारकर संक्रमण को रोकती है। इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें और कोर्स पूरा करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, दस्त, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और मुँह में धातु जैसा स्वाद शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन इनमें टेंडन टूटना, तंत्रिका क्षति, दौरे और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया शामिल हो सकते हैं। शराब के साथ इस दवा का सेवन न करें, इससे गंभीर प्रतिक्रिया हो सकती है।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। कोर्स पूरा करें, बीच में न छोड़ें। दवा को भोजन के साथ और पानी के साथ लें। शराब का सेवन पूरी तरह बंद कर दें। चक्कर आने पर वाहन न चलाएँ। धूप में जाने से बचें और सनस्क्रीन का उपयोग करें। गुर्दे या यकृत की बीमारी हो तो डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 levoquin oz tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Amoebic dysentery","description":"This medicine is used to treat intestinal amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica, often when bacterial co-infection is suspected.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Giardiasis","description":"It is effective against Giardia lamblia, a common cause of diarrheal illness.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Intra-abdominal infections","description":"Used for mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections such as peritonitis or abscesses, often as part of a broader regimen.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bacterial gastroenteritis","description":"May be prescribed for severe or persistent bacterial diarrhea when a specific pathogen is identified or suspected.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Pelvic inflammatory disease","description":"Sometimes used as part of combination therapy for PID, though other regimens are more common.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prophylaxis in colorectal surgery","description":"Occasionally used off-label for surgical prophylaxis in patients with beta-lactam allergy, but not a standard recommendation.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Traveler's diarrhea","description":"May be considered for severe traveler's diarrhea, but fluoroquinolone resistance is common; not a first-line choice.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Mixed bacterial and protozoal infections, particularly gastrointestinal infections such as amoebic dysentery and giardiasis.
Also treats: Intra-abdominal infections, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Bacterial gastroenteritis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Levofloxacin (250mg) + Ornidazole (500mg) |
| Brand Name | levoquin oz tablet |
| Manufacturer | Cipla Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two antimicrobial agents with distinct mechanisms. Levofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to inhibition of bacterial cell division and ultimately cell death. Ornidazole is a nitroimidazole that enters susceptible anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, where its nitro group is reduced to reactive intermediates that damage DNA, causing strand breakage and cell death. The combination provides broad coverage against aerobic gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (from levofloxacin) and anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (from ornidazole).
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take levoquin oz tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains levofloxacin 250 mg and ornidazole 500 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally once or twice daily, depending on the severity and type of infection. The duration of treatment is typically 5 to 10 days but may vary based on the infection and clinical response. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-adjust the dose. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may require dose adjustment based on renal function. Levofloxacin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and renal function declines with age. Monitor closely for side effects such as tendon rupture and CNS effects. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min), the dose of levofloxacin should be adjusted. Ornidazole does not require dose adjustment in renal impairment. Consult your doctor for specific dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is established for hepatic impairment. Use with caution and monitor liver function. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is levofloxacin 750 mg and ornidazole 1500 mg, but the exact maximum for this combination depends on the indication and clinical judgment. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of levoquin oz 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 | |
| Antacids | Major | |
| NSAIDs | Major | |
| Theophylline | Major | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Antidiabetics | Moderate | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Caffeine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin
- Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc
- NSAIDs
- Theophylline
- Alcohol
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Corticosteroids
- Antidiabetic agents
- Phenytoin
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be strictly avoided while taking this medicine and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Ornidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and rapid heartbeat. Additionally, alcohol may worsen dizziness and drowsiness caused by levofloxacin.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, ornidazole, or any other fluoroquinolone or nitroimidazole","History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use","Myasthenia gravis","Pregnancy and breastfeeding (unless clearly needed)","Children and adolescents (safety not established)","Severe renal impairment (dose adjustment required)","Epilepsy or other seizure disorders (use with caution)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions, including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Reserve for patients with no alternative treatment options.","Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after the last dose due to disulfiram-like reaction with ornidazole.","May cause dizziness and drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","May increase sensitivity to sunlight; avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen.","Use with caution in elderly patients and those with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May worsen muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis.","Prolonged use may lead to superinfection with resistant organisms.","Do not use for viral infections; it is ineffective and contributes to antibiotic resistance."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Both levofloxacin and ornidazole are excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother. Consult your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and potentially seizures or QT prolongation. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Maintain adequate hydration. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Hemodialysis may be considered for levofloxacin removal, but it is not effective for ornidazole.
⏰ 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better, to prevent resistance. Take with food and plenty of water to reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose, as it can cause a severe reaction. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Avoid excessive sunlight and use sunscreen, as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or a history of tendon problems. Do not share this medicine with others. Keep out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects from levofloxacin. Renal function should be assessed before prescribing, and dose adjustment may be needed. Monitor closely for any adverse effects.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive, consult your doctor for alternative treatments. Use effective contraception during treatment if you are of childbearing age.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently undergone surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with other medications used during surgery. It is not routinely used for post-surgical prophylaxis.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may interact with other medications or affect healing. No specific precautions are established, but good oral hygiene is advised.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of tendon rupture. Light activities like walking are generally safe. If you experience joint pain or swelling, stop exercising and consult your doctor.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is advisable to take rest and stay home if you have severe diarrhea or fever.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Complete the full prescribed course. If you experience serious side effects such as tendon pain, numbness, or severe allergic reactions, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to antibiotic resistance, superinfections, and rare but serious effects such as tendon damage, peripheral neuropathy, and liver toxicity. It should only be used for the prescribed duration. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function may be required if used for prolonged periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Essential for managing dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay help restore gut flora after antibiotic treatment.
Evidence: ModerateFor confirmed protozoal infections without bacterial co-infection, a single agent may be sufficient.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine. Avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment and for several days after. Consult your doctor for specific 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
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid temperature extremes. Store at room temperature and protect from moisture. If crossing time zones, continue taking the medicine at the same intervals as prescribed; consult your doctor for specific advice. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within 24-48 hours, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed.
A: Yes, take it with food to reduce stomach upset. Avoid dairy products within 2 hours of taking it.
A: 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 dose.
A: No, alcohol must be strictly avoided during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose, as it can cause a severe reaction.
A: No, you must complete the full prescribed course to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for levoquin oz tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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levotas oz tabletIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹28.68 32% CHEAPER
-
qulef oz 250 mg/500 mg tabletHetero Drugs Ltd ₹30.94 26.7% CHEAPER
-
levact ac 250 mg/500 mg tabletKinedex Healthcare Pvt Ltd ₹34.69 17.8% CHEAPER
-
lovolkem oz 250 mg/500 mg tabletAlkem Laboratories Ltd ₹44.53 5.5% COSTLIER
-
joycin oz 250 mg/500 mg tabletWisdom Pharma Pvt. Ltd ₹52.33 24% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure any type of diarrhea.
Fact: This medicine is only effective against specific bacterial and protozoal infections. It is not effective for viral diarrhea or diarrhea caused by other conditions. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full prescribed course to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. - Myth: It is safe to drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
Fact: Alcohol can cause a severe disulfiram-like reaction with ornidazole, leading to nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Avoid alcohol completely.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Levofloxacin 250 mg + Ornidazole 500 mg tablet (generic versions available)
Brand Alternatives
- Apcin OZ 250mg/500mg Tablet