Ofloxacin + Ornidazole 200 mg + 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Infectious diarrhoea and dysentery where both bacteria and amoeba or giardia may be involved; Gut infections during the monsoon and after contaminated food or water, as judged by a doctor.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.58 to ₹21.39 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ofloxacin 200mg and Ornidazole 500mg Tablets IPJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹25.79 | ₹2.58 | 19 October 2026 |
| Oflotas-OZ | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹145.31 | ₹14.53 | 19 October 2026 |
| Orni-O | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹149.74 | ₹14.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Oflokem OZ | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹161.25 | ₹16.12 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zenflox-OZ | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹162.07 | ₹16.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Oflomac OZ | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹168.09 | ₹16.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ornof | Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹169.00 | ₹16.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zanocin OZ | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹190.31 | ₹19.03 | 19 October 2026 |
| O2 | Medley Pharmaceuticals | 10 | ₹213.95 | ₹21.39 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Infectious diarrhoea and dysentery where both bacteria and amoeba or giardia may be involved.
- Gut infections during the monsoon and after contaminated food or water, as judged by a doctor.
- Gynaecological infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis with mixed bacteria.
- Dental and some post-operative infections where anaerobic bacteria are likely.
How to take it
Take one tablet twice a day about 12 hours apart, with or after food and a full glass of water, for the number of days your doctor prescribes – usually 3 to 7 days for gut infections. Drink plenty of fluids and ORS if you have diarrhoea. Keep it 2 hours away from antacids, iron, zinc or calcium tablets. Do not drink alcohol during the course and for at least 3 days after, because ornidazole reacts with alcohol. Finish the full course. Stop and see a doctor if you get tendon pain, tingling or numbness, a rash, palpitations, or if diarrhoea is bloody or not settling. This combination is not sold in the UK or US, so the safety information here comes from the pages for each ingredient and for metronidazole, a medicine of the same class as ornidazole.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Metallic or bitter taste, dry mouth, furry tongue.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Tendon pain or rupture, or numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet – stop and see a doctor.
- Seizures, confusion, poor coordination, or severe mood changes.
- Severe allergic reaction, peeling or blistering skin.
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea with fever, palpitations or fainting.
Safety information
Alcohol
Strictly avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 3 days after – ornidazole, like metronidazole, causes flushing, vomiting, cramps and headache with alcohol.
Pregnancy
Avoid in pregnancy, especially the first 3 months, and while breastfeeding, unless a doctor decides there is no alternative.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; the dose may need reducing and tendon risk is higher.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; the dose may need adjusting and liver tests monitored.
Children
Not for children under 18 unless a specialist prescribes it, because of ofloxacin's effect on growing bones and tendons.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take two tablets together.
Interactions
- Alcohol and medicines containing alcohol (some cough syrups) – disulfiram-like reaction.
- Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and multivitamins – take 2 hours apart from the tablet.
- Warfarin – bleeding risk rises with ornidazole; INR needs checking.
- NSAID painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) and steroids – more nervous system and tendon side effects with ofloxacin.
- Diabetes medicines – blood sugar may swing; monitor.
- Disulfiram and lithium – tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is O2 tablet used for?
O2 combines ofloxacin (an antibiotic) with ornidazole (which kills amoeba, giardia and anaerobic bacteria). It is prescribed for infectious diarrhoea, dysentery and some gynaecological and dental infections.
Can I take O2 tablet with alcohol?
No. Ornidazole reacts with alcohol causing flushing, vomiting, cramps and headache. Avoid alcohol during the course and for at least 3 days after the last dose.
O2 tablet before or after food?
After food is best, with a full glass of water, twice a day about 12 hours apart. Keep it 2 hours away from antacids, iron or calcium.
How many days should I take Zenflox-OZ for loose motions?
Usually 3 to 5 days, or as your doctor prescribes. Also take ORS and fluids. If diarrhoea is bloody, has high fever, or is not improving in 2 to 3 days, see a doctor.
Is O2 tablet safe in pregnancy?
No, it is generally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant so a safer treatment can be chosen.
Can I give O2 tablet to my child for diarrhoea?
Not without a paediatrician's advice. Ofloxacin is normally avoided under 18, and most childhood diarrhoea needs ORS and zinc rather than antibiotics.
Does O2 tablet cause a metallic taste?
Yes, a bitter or metallic taste, dry mouth and nausea are common with ornidazole. They settle after the course ends.
O2 vs Oflox 200 – which is better for stomach infection?
It depends on the cause. Plain ofloxacin covers bacteria; the OZ combination also covers amoeba and giardia. A doctor decides based on symptoms and sometimes a stool test – do not self-prescribe.
Does O2 tablet need a prescription?
Yes. Both ingredients are Schedule H medicines in India and the tablet should be dispensed only against a prescription.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Ofloxacin (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Metronidazole (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms