ACCFLOX-OZ TAB

ACCFL0X-OZ / ACCFLOX-OZ Tablets

1. What the package contains

The front clearly states:

• Brand: Accflox-OZ

• Generic: Ofloxacin + Ornidazole Tablets I.P.

• Pack: 10 × 10 tablets — 10 strips, each containing 10 tablets, for a total of 100 tablets in the box.

• Rx: Prescription medicine.

• Manufacturer/marketer shown: ACCOTE.

• The individual tablets are orange, oblong/oval and appear to have a score line.

For this ACCFLOX-OZ product, the listed composition is Ofloxacin 200 mg + Ornidazole 500 mg per tablet. (Tradeindia)

2. What each medicine does

Ofloxacin 200 mg

• A fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

• Acts against susceptible bacteria by interfering with bacterial DNA replication.

Ornidazole 500 mg

• An antiprotozoal/antianaerobic antimicrobial.

• Acts against certain protozoa and anaerobic organisms.

Together, they are intended for certain mixed bacterial/protozoal infections. A common indication for this particular combination is infectious diarrhea/dysentery in adults, although doctors may prescribe it for other infections depending on the diagnosis. (NAFDAC)

3. Why it may be prescribed

Depending on the diagnosis, combinations of ofloxacin + ornidazole may be used for:

• Infectious diarrhea

• Dysentery

• Certain gastrointestinal infections

• Some infections involving the urinary/genital tract

• Other bacterial/protozoal infections when the causative organisms are susceptible

It is not a general-purpose medicine for ordinary stomach upset or every episode of diarrhea. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. (PharmEasy)

4. Important side effects

Common effects can include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach discomfort

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Dizziness/drowsiness

• Dry mouth or altered/metallic taste

(1mg)

There are also important but less common risks from ofloxacin, including tendon inflammation/rupture and peripheral nerve problems such as burning, tingling or numbness. Fluoroquinolones can rarely cause serious, potentially prolonged adverse effects. (NAFDAC)

Seek medical attention promptly if you develop tendon pain/swelling, severe weakness, numbness/tingling, severe rash, breathing difficulty, or significant neurological symptoms.

5. Alcohol

Because the product contains ornidazole, it is safest to avoid alcohol during treatment and for several days afterward; alcohol can worsen adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting. (Apollo Pharmacy)

6. Important medicine interactions

Ofloxacin absorption can be reduced by products containing aluminium/magnesium antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and sucralfate. These generally need to be separated from ofloxacin by an appropriate interval; follow the prescribing instructions/pharmacist's advice. (Nilsan Pharmaceuticals)

Tell your doctor if you take medicines such as anticoagulants, corticosteroids, diabetes medicines, seizure medicines or medicines affecting heart rhythm.

7. Who should be particularly careful?

Talk to a doctor before taking it if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• A history of seizures

• Previous tendon problems

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Heart-rhythm/QT problems

• Myasthenia gravis

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Previous allergy to quinolone antibiotics or nitroimidazoles

Fluoroquinolones such as ofloxacin deserve particular caution in older adults and people taking systemic corticosteroids because of tendon-related risks. (NAFDAC)

8. How to take it

Do not determine the dose solely from the photograph. The appropriate dose and duration depend on the infection, age, kidney function and other factors. This is a prescription medicine, and the product information specifies use according to the physician's direction. (Tradeindia)

Also, don't stop an antibiotic early or extend the course on your own.

9. One important distinction from your previous image

The previous medicine was Fluconazole 150 mg, which is an antifungal.

This medicine is completely different:

MedicineMain actionFluconazole 150 mgAntifungalAccflox-OZAntibiotic + antiprotozoalAccflox-OZ compositionOfloxacin 200 mg + Ornidazole 500 mg

So Accflox-OZ is not a substitute for fluconazole, and the two should not be combined simply because both are used for infections.

If you tell me what illness/symptoms the doctor gave these two medicines for, I can explain why fluconazole + Accflox-OZ might have been prescribed together, what each one is targeting, and the usual timing between them.