Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin
About Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin belongs to the group of medicines called broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), sinus (sinusitis), bladder (cystitis), ear infections, etc. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu. Using antibiotics when they aren't required can make them not work (develop antibiotic resistance) for future contaminations.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is a combination of two antibiotic drugs: Ofloxacin and Cefpodoxime. Ofloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase, which is required for DNA replication, transcription and repair. Cefpodoxime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering (cell wall), which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria (bactericidal) and helps treat and prevent the spread of bacterial infections. Together, Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin helps in treating bacterial infections.
Take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin with or without food. The dose and duration of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects such as dizziness, pain in the lower legs, neck pain, stomach pain and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before starting Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic) or kidney or liver problems. Do not take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor before taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin as it may cause increased dizziness. Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is not recommended for use in children.
Uses of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin
Medicinal Benefits
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections like urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, soft tissue infections, and ear and eye infections. Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is a combination of two antibiotic drugs: Ofloxacin and Cefpodoxime. Ofloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase, which is required for DNA replication, transcription and repair. Cefpodoxime inhibits protein synthesis and leads to cell death, thereby killing the bacteria. Together, Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin helps in treating bacterial infections. Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin
- Dizziness
- Pain in lower legs
- Loss of appetite
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Stomach Pain
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you have epilepsy or kidney problems. Maintain a minimum gap of two hours between Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin and antacid, vitamin and mineral medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin as it causes increased dizziness. Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is not recommended for use in children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin may have interaction with vitamin supplements (calcium/vitamin D), diuretic medication (furosemide), Pin killer (aspirin), and bronchodilators (albuterol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid intake of milk and dairy products.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin may interact with tendonitis (inflammation in tendons), epilepsy, kidney, and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCefpodoxime+ofloxacin may cause dizziness and vision problems. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
Children
unsafeCefpodoxime+ofloxacin should not be given to children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- It would be best to take probiotics after taking the full course of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin to restore some healthy intestinal bacteria that may have been killed.
- Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after taking an antibiotic course. Whole grains, like whole-grain bread and brown rice, should be included in your diet.
- Avoid taking too much calcium-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin may affect coagulation test or prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting), liver function, and serum tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
- Diabetes patients who take blood tests should inform their doctor about your use of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
- It may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid) not to work unless your doctor tells you to and does not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication.
- Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin contains ofloxacin, which might produce false-positive urine screening results for opiates. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is when harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria come in various forms, commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. However, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), sinus (sinusitis), bladder (cystitis), ear infections, etc.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is a combination of two antibiotic drugs: Ofloxacin and Cefpodoxime. Ofloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase, which is required to produce DNA replication, transcription, and repair. Cefpodoxime inhibits protein synthesis and leads to cell death, thereby killing the bacteria. Together, Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin helps in treating bacterial infections.
Avoid taking magnesium and aluminium-containing antacids along with Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin. Maintain a minimum gap of two hours between both.
Do not take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance, which means antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Diarrhoea is the most reported common side effect of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin. So, it is advisable to drink lots of water and fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience diarrhoea. If you observe blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea (vomiting or watery stool), immediately consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin may cause stomach upset as a side effect. To avoid this, take Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin, preferably with food. Taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin with food helps in increasing its absorption in the body.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and it is not used for viral infections.
No, there is no evidence that Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin is addictive.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor based on your medical condition.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin should be taken orally. Swallow it as a whole with water; do not chew, break or crush.
Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
You should not stop taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin even though you feel better as it may cause the infection to recur. Complete the duration of treatment as prescribed by the doctor to get its full benefits.
Take the missed dose of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin as soon as you remember. But, if it is time for your next dose take your regular dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Consult the doctor if you don't feel better even after completing the duration of treatment with Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin. Also, let your doctor know if any symptoms are worsening while taking Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin.
The side effects of Cefpodoxime+ofloxacin include dizziness, pain in the lower legs, loss of appetite, neck pain, headache, and stomach pain. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
