Ofm Ds Suspension

OFM DS Suspension

OFM-DS Suspension is an antibiotic medication manufactured by J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Also mentioned as Lekar Pharma Ltd. in some results).

• Composition: OFM-DS Suspension contains two active ingredients:

  • Ofloxacin (100 mg/5 ml)
  • Metronidazole (200 mg/5 ml) Both these ingredients are antibiotics that work by damaging the DNA of infection-causing bacteria and parasites, thus preventing their growth and spread.

• Uses: OFM-DS Suspension is primarily used to manage a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections in children. These include:

  • Bacterial infections affecting the teeth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and genital tract.
  • Amoebiasis and other intestinal parasitic infections.
  • Acute diarrhea and dysentery caused by susceptible bacterial strains.

• Dosage and Administration: Administer OFM-DS Suspension orally, preferably at a fixed time. It can be given either before or after food, but if stomach upset occurs, it is advisable to give it with food. The usually prescribed frequency is twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The precise dosage and duration depend on the type and severity of the infection, the child's age, and body weight, and should always be as advised by a doctor. The bottle should be shaken well before use, and the dose measured accurately. Do not stop the medication suddenly; complete the full prescribed course to prevent recurrence of the infection.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
  • Skin rash, itching, vaginal candidiasis, and urine discoloration (red-brown, due to Metronidazole). Most side effects are temporary and resolve upon discontinuation. Serious side effects are rare, but if any persist or worsen, consult a doctor. Overdosing can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or seizures.

• Precautions:

  • Allergies: Do not give to children with known hypersensitivity to metronidazole, ofloxacin, or any other quinolone antibiotic.
  • Medical Conditions: Use with caution in children with liver problems, kidney problems, seizure disorders, or G6PD deficiency. It may increase seizure activity in prone individuals.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor about any other medicines the child is taking, as OFM-DS Suspension can interact with certain drugs, including lithium, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, 5-fluorouracil, busulfan, ciclosporin, disulfiram, ibuprofen, diclofenac, theophylline, glibenclamide, probenecid, and warfarin.
  • Other Warnings: Avoid dairy products and excessive sunlight exposure while on this medication. Alcohol consumption should be avoided. OFM-DS Suspension is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Storage: Store OFM-DS Suspension in a tightly closed container below 25°C or 30°C, in a cool and dry place, shielded from light and away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets.

What is OFM DS Suspension used for?

OFM DS Suspension is an antibiotic medication primarily used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections, especially in children. These infections can affect various parts of the body, including the teeth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and genital tract. It is also effective in managing conditions like acute diarrhea and dysentery caused by susceptible bacterial strains or amoebiasis and other intestinal parasitic infections.

How does OFM DS Suspension work?

OFM DS Suspension contains two active ingredients: Ofloxacin and Metronidazole. Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, which are crucial for bacterial DNA replication, recombination, and repair. This action ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial cell division and growth, causing bacterial cell death. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal that damages the DNA of microbial organisms, leading to DNA strand breakage and subsequent cell death. Together, these components work synergistically to kill the infection-causing bacteria and parasites.

What is the usual dosage of OFM DS Suspension?

The dosage of OFM DS Suspension should always be determined by a doctor, as it depends on factors such as the type and severity of the infection, the patient's age, and body weight. For children, it is typically prescribed to be given orally twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably at a fixed time. It can be given with or without food; however, if stomach upset occurs, it is advisable to give it with food. It is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions strictly and complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing resistance.

What are the possible side effects of OFM DS Suspension?

Common side effects of OFM DS Suspension may include nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, and insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Some individuals might also experience skin rash, itching, or vaginal candidiasis. Metronidazole, one of the active ingredients, can also cause red-brown urine, which is a harmless and temporary side effect. If any side effects persist, worsen, or become bothersome, it is important to consult a doctor.

Is OFM DS Suspension safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

OFM DS Suspension is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential risks to the developing baby. Ofloxacin, a component of the suspension, is typically avoided during pregnancy. Similarly, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding as both Ofloxacin and Metronidazole can pass into breast milk and may affect the infant, particularly concerning the infant's developing joints for Ofloxacin. A healthcare provider should be consulted for safer alternatives if medication is needed during these periods.

Can OFM DS Suspension be taken with other medications?

OFM DS Suspension can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products being taken to avoid potential interactions. For instance, it may interact with blood thinners like warfarin, lithium (for mental illness), phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone (for epilepsy), ciclosporin (an immunosuppressant), and certain cancer medications. Additionally, avoid taking calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin supplements, or antacids within 2 hours of taking OFM DS Suspension, as they can affect its absorption. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided during treatment and for a few days afterward, as it can increase the risk of side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

What precautions should be taken while using OFM DS Suspension?

Several precautions should be observed when using OFM DS Suspension. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, seizure disorders, or low blood cell counts. Patients with G6PD deficiency should also use it cautiously, as Metronidazole may cause hemolysis. If your child has allergies to ofloxacin, metronidazole, or any other quinolone antibiotic, the medication should not be given. The medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness, so activities requiring mental alertness should be avoided if these side effects occur. Exposure to sunlight should also be avoided, as it may increase photosensitivity. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent the bacteria from multiplying again or becoming resistant.

What happens if a dose of OFM DS Suspension is missed?

If a dose of OFM DS Suspension is missed, it should be given as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule continued. It is important not to double the dose to compensate for a missed one without consulting a doctor.

How should OFM DS Suspension be stored?

OFM DS Suspension should be stored in a cool, dry place, below 30°C or 25°C, and protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. The container should be kept tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

What should I do if my child vomits after taking OFM DS Suspension?

If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking OFM DS Suspension, you may repeat the same dose. However, if the next dose is due soon, do not double up on the dose; instead, continue with the regular schedule. If vomiting persists or is severe, consult your doctor immediately.