About Zenflox 200 Tablet
Zenflox 200 Tablet contains Ofloxacin 200 mg. Ofloxacin is an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone group. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as infections of the urinary tract, prostate, chest and skin, and some sexually transmitted infections. Because fluoroquinolones can have rare but serious side effects, doctors usually keep them for infections where they are clearly needed.
Uses of Zenflox 200 Tablet
- Urinary tract and kidney infections
- Prostate infection
- Chest infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Some sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia
Benefits
In bacterial infections
It kills the bacteria causing the infection so your symptoms can settle. Taking the full course helps fully treat the infection and reduces the risk of resistance.
Side effects
Most people have only mild side effects. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor straight away if you notice any of the serious effects listed.
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
Get medical help if you notice
- Pain, swelling or sudden pain in a tendon, such as at the back of the ankle — stop taking it, rest the area and contact your doctor
- Tingling, numbness, burning pain or weakness in the arms or legs — stop taking it and contact your doctor
- Confusion, anxiety, low mood, hallucinations or fits — seek medical help
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea — contact your doctor straight away
- Sudden severe pain in the chest, stomach or back — seek emergency care
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or signs of very low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, confusion) — seek medical help
- Allergic reaction or severe skin rash — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Keep antacids, iron, zinc and calcium products at least two hours apart from it. Complete the full course.
How it works
It blocks enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so the bacteria cannot multiply and die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to dizziness and may slow recovery. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
It passes into breast milk and should not be used while breastfeeding unless your doctor decides otherwise.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or vision problems. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may lower the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. Tell your doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Complete the full course, even if you feel better.
- Keep antacids, iron, zinc and calcium supplements at least two hours apart from it.
- Protect your skin from strong sunlight; it can make you burn more easily.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, a heart rhythm problem or a past tendon problem.
- Stop and contact your doctor at the first sign of tendon pain or tingling in your hands or feet.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Fluoroquinolone
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective
- Action class
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and sucralfate | Reduce absorption of ofloxacin; take them at least two hours apart |
| Steroid medicines such as prednisolone | Increase the risk of tendon damage |
| NSAID pain relievers | May increase the risk of fits |
| Medicines for diabetes | Blood sugar may go too high or too low |
| Warfarin and medicines that affect heart rhythm | Increase the risk of bleeding or heart rhythm problems |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ofloxacin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Ofloxacin Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC); US FDA safety communications on fluoroquinolone antibiotics). Pharmacist review pending.