Metronidazole+norfloxacin
About Metronidazole+norfloxacin
Metronidazole+norfloxacin is a combination drug containing antibacterial and anti-amoebic medication, primarily used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea caused due to amoeba. In addition, it is also used to treat infections caused due to microbes. Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia , or Clostridium difficile can cause amoebic dysentery.
Metronidazole+norfloxacin is a combination medicine that contains Norfloxacin and Metronidazole. Norfloxacin prevents the division of bacterial cells. It also inhibits the repairing of bacterial cells. Metronidazole kills parasites and anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for causing infections. It works by damaging their DNA. Both are bactericidal (kills the bacteria) in nature; collectively, they help treat the disease effectively.
Take Metronidazole+norfloxacin in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It is recommended to take it with food at a fixed time to achieve maximum effect. In some cases, you may experience nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth and metallic taste. Metronidazole can also cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Most of these side effects of Metronidazole+norfloxacin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor. If you experience any allergic reaction symptoms such as rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc., please consult your doctor immediately.
It is not advisable to stop taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin suddenly to avoid unpleasant side effects. The full course prescribed by the doctor should be completed. Inform your doctor if you have any lung disease, epilepsy, sleeping disorder, difficulty sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease or problem with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Metronidazole+norfloxacin should not be used by pregnant women (especially during the first trimester), breastfeeding mothers and patients with liver diseases, low blood white cells (leukopenia), or gastro intestine diseases (like Crohn's disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, etc.). Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, which can lower your mental alertness and cause dizziness.
Uses of Metronidazole+norfloxacin
Medicinal Benefits
Metronidazole+norfloxacin is a combination medicine that consists of Norfloxacin and Metronidazole. Norfloxacin prevents the division of bacterial cells. It also inhibits the repairing of bacterial cells. Both these actions lead to the killing of the bacteria. Metronidazole kills parasites and bacteria that are responsible for causing infections. It works by damaging their DNA. Both are bactericidal.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole+norfloxacin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to norfloxacin, metronidazole or any other antibacterial or anti-amoebic agents, please inform your doctor to avoid unwanted side effects like swallowing or breathing problems and swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin may increase the chances of developing tendinitis (swelling of a tissue that joins a bone to a muscle) or a tendon rupture. Dairy products should be avoided along with Metronidazole+norfloxacin. Also, exposure to sunlight should be avoided while taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin as it may cause increased phototoxicity or photosensitivity. Patients with an irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation) should tell their doctor before taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin. Metronidazole+norfloxacin should not be given to the pregnant mother (during the first trimester) and nursing mothers as it passes into the breast milk. Please inform your doctor before taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin if you have a history of problems with your liver, blood, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), and nervous system (convulsions). Please do not drink alcohol with Metronidazole+norfloxacin as it may cause flushing and drowsiness, which can alter your mental alertness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may have an interaction with other antibiotics (sparfloxacin, azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin), calcium supplements (calcium/vitamin D), pain killers (ibuprofen or diclofenac), anti-asthma (theophylline), anti-diabetic (glibenclamide), anti-gout (probenecid), anti-cancer (busulfan, fluorouracil, mycophenolate), antidepressant (lithium), antiepileptic (phenobarbital, phenytoin) and blood thinner (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Metronidazole+norfloxacin interacts with dairy products (like milk or yoghurt), calcium-fortified juices alone, and alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had a liver, kidney or heart problem or lung transplant, a joint or tendon disorder (rheumatoid arthritis), seizures (fits), low white blood cell count (leukopenia), epilepsy, muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), seizures (fits), alcoholism, cancer, electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium level), colitis (inflammation of the intestine), porphyria (rare genetic blood disorder) and neuro-related diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol should not be consumed while taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin as it may cause unpleasant side effects like flushing, lightheadedness, dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeMetronidazole+norfloxacin should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Metronidazole should not be given in the first trimester of pregnancy as it may harm the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionMetronidazole+norfloxacin is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and may harm your infant. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole+norfloxacin can cause dizziness in some patients. If you feel dizzy after taking this medicine, avoid driving or operating machines.
Liver
cautionMetronidazole+norfloxacin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose if required based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole+norfloxacin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
cautionMetronidazole+norfloxacin may be recommended for children with diarrhoea, stomach infections, amoebiasis, abdominal infections, and intestinal infections. Use it as prescribed by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola or chocolate. Metronidazole+norfloxacin may increase nervousness, sleeplessness and anxiety caused by caffeine.
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Metronidazole+norfloxacin to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Certain fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha 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-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Metronidazole+norfloxacin as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Metronidazole+norfloxacin in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- You should consult a doctor if you have symptoms associated with dehydration, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Metronidazole+norfloxacin may cause changes in liver function tests and prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
- Diarrhea: It is the increase in bowel movement leading to increased and loose motions.
- Dysentery: It is inflammation of the intestine, particularly the colon, caused by bacteria.
FAQs
Metronidazole+norfloxacin is used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea caused due to amoeba. In addition, it is also used to treat infections caused due to microbes.
Metronidazole+norfloxacin contains antibiotics that work by preventing the division of bacterial cells and inhibiting their repair. Both these actions kill the bacteria and, hence, treat the infection.
It is not advised to take alcohol with Metronidazole+norfloxacin. Taking alcohol while taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin can cause serious side effects such as headaches, feeling or being sick, pain in the stomach, hot flushes, a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, drowsiness, etc.
Yes, Metronidazole+norfloxacin is known to cause dry mouth, especially when you start taking it. If you feel excessively thirsty, use frequent mouth rinses and increase fluid intake.
Metronidazole+norfloxacin makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, a condition known as photosensitivity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light should be avoided. In case of emergency, you should always wear sunscreen before going out.
Yes, consuming Metronidazole+norfloxacin may cause dry mouth, and you might feel thirsty frequently. Try to drink plenty of fluids (water with electrolytes) and probiotics. You may also have a dry lip, for which you can use lip balm.
Avoid intake of Metronidazole+norfloxacin if you have a history of problems with your liver, blood or nervous system (convulsions or fits) or low white blood cell count (leukopenia).
Metronidazole+norfloxacin comprises two active ingredients: Norfloxacin (an antibacterial) and Metronidazole (an anti-amoebic), primarily used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea caused by amoebas.
Please do not exceed the recommended dose, as it might cause an overdose. Signs and symptoms of an overdose: you may be at higher risk of serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dry mouth, and a metallic taste. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Suppose your child shows no improvement after completing the prescribed course of Metronidazole+norfloxacin. In that case, it may indicate that the infection is resistant to the treatment or that an underlying condition is present. Please consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will reassess your child's condition, check for antibiotic resistance, adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative treatment. Do not stop the medication or change the dosage regimen without your doctor's advice.
In most cases, other medicines can be taken with Metronidazole+norfloxacin, but always check with your doctor first. Metronidazole+norfloxacin may interact with certain medications like painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac), asthma treatments (e.g., theophylline), diabetes medications (e.g., glibenclamide), cancer treatments (e.g., 5-fluorouracil), antidepressants (e.g., lithium), and blood thinners (e.g., warfarin). This is not a complete list, and other interactions may also occur. Always inform your doctor about all medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs, so they can check for potential interactions and provide personalized advice.
Your child can receive vaccinations while taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin, as the antibiotics do not affect your body's response to vaccines. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before vaccinating, particularly if your child has not fully recovered from their illness.
Before giving Metronidazole+norfloxacin to your child, tell the doctor if your child has any allergies, especially to any of its ingredients, or to other antibacterial or anti-amoebic medicines. You should inform the doctor if your child has any existing medical conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), or muscle spasms (convulsions). Also, inform the doctor if your child is taking other medications to prevent potential interactions.
If your child has started taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin and you've noticed their urine turning red or brown, don't worry! This is a relatively common and harmless side effect of the medication. The ingredients in Metronidazole+norfloxacin can temporarily change the colour of their urine, but it will return to normal once they stop taking the medication. However, if you notice any other symptoms or have concerns, always best to check in with your doctor to rule out anything else that might need attention.
Don't give your child cough and cold medicines with Metronidazole+norfloxacin unless your doctor says it's safe. Your doctor will check for potential interactions and advise accordingly.
No, it is important to finish the full course of treatment with Metronidazole+norfloxacin, even if your child feels better. Stopping the medicine early may cause the infection to return or become harder to treat. Always follow the duration prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, you can give antacids to your child while they are taking Metronidazole+norfloxacin. However, make sure to space them out by at least 2 hours to ensure the medications work properly and don't interfere with each other. Always follow your doctor’s advice on medication timing.
No, Metronidazole+norfloxacin is a medication prescribed for specific infections, and it is important to ensure it is the right treatment for your child. A doctor will evaluate your child's health condition and determine if Metronidazole+norfloxacin is appropriate based on the type of infection involved. Giving medication without a doctor's advice could lead to ineffective treatment or possible side effects. Always consult with a doctor to ensure the safety and well-being of your child.
If your child has diabetes, please consult a doctor before giving Metronidazole+norfloxacin. Certain ingredients in Metronidazole+norfloxacin (such as metronidazole) may interact with their diabetes medications or affect blood sugar levels, leading to potential complications. Always check with a doctor to ensure your child's safe use of Metronidazole+norfloxacin.
Metronidazole+norfloxacin should be taken for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Generally, it is recommended for up to 10 days to help clear bacterial infections. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment for the best outcome and to prevent the return of infection.
The common side effects of Metronidazole+norfloxacin include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and metallic taste. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
