Oxitil-OF

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Oxitil-OF

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Oxitil-OF

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefuroxime Axetil & Ofloxacin
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological class Cephalosporin/Fluoroquinolone Combination
Origin Semi-synthetic (Cefuroxime) & Synthetic (Ofloxacin)
Type Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Antibiotic

What Type of Antibiotic is Oxitil-OF?

Oxitil-OF is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) antibacterial medication containing two distinct active ingredients, Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin. This medicine is classified under the broad category of Antibiotics. The Cefuroxime component belongs to the class of second-generation cephalosporins, while Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone. It is typically manufactured as an oral tablet for administration by mouth. This specific FDC formulation is manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies globally, appearing under popular brand names such as Forcef-O, Ceph-O, and Cefo-O across different regions. This combination is clinically recognized for its utility in treating common bacterial infections that may be resistant to monotherapy.


What are its Ingredients and Dual Origin?

The two active ingredients are Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin. The Cefuroxime Axetil component is a semi-synthetic beta-lactam agent, derived from natural structures and chemically modified. It is an inactive prodrug which is rapidly broken down by the body into the active antibiotic, Cefuroxime, after absorption. Ofloxacin is a fully synthetic chemical entity belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. Using agents with distinct chemical structures, like Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin, is a key strategy for managing bacterial infections. This confirms that the drug uses two very different components to fight bacteria.


Why is it a Dual-Action Medicine?

Oxitil-OF is dual-action to achieve a broad-spectrum effect and help overcome bacterial drug resistance. The primary general purpose of using Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin together is to ensure the bacteria are attacked via two independent and critical biological pathways. By disrupting the cell wall (Cefuroxime) and blocking the DNA replication machinery (Ofloxacin), the combination offers a strategy to combat a wider variety of susceptible bacteria and may lower the chance of bacteria surviving treatment and developing resistance to either single drug.

Regulatory References

  1. Antibiotic Combination Study

What side effects are possible with Oxitil-OF?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Oxitil-OF, a fixed-dose combination, is structured by the officially documented adverse reactions associated with its two distinct components: a second-generation cephalosporin (Cefuroxime Axetil) and a fluoroquinolone (Ofloxacin).

Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions documented in regulatory sources include Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting, along with Dizziness and Headache. These are primarily categorized under Gastrointestinal and Nervous System disorders, as listed in the System-Organ Classes (SOC).


Serious Safety Considerations

The fluoroquinolone component is associated with several serious adverse reactions documented in official labeling. These include potentially disabling and permanent effects such as Tendon Rupture and Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage). Other serious risks include Prolongation of the QT interval (affecting heart rhythm), severe Hypersensitivity Reactions (Anaphylaxis), and Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD).


Population-Specific Safety Statements

Official documents define specific safety considerations for certain patient groups. Older adults and patients concurrently taking corticosteroids have a documented increased risk of tendon-related events. Safety constraints are also noted for individuals with a history of Myasthenia Gravis due to the risk of symptom exacerbation, and for those with renal impairment where dosage adjustment is typically required. Disabling neurological and musculoskeletal effects may manifest within hours to weeks after starting the fluoroquinolone component, as stated in regulatory safety communications.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section outlines the official regulatory information regarding an overdose of Oxitil-OF (a combination product containing Ofloxacin and Cefpodoxime).


Overdose Scope: Official Regulatory Findings

Overdose Presentation Physiological Systems Affected
Fits (seizures) Central Nervous System (CNS)
Unconsciousness Central Nervous System (CNS)
Dizziness, Confusion Central Nervous System (CNS)
Stomach pain, Diarrhoea Gastrointestinal System
Headache, Nausea, Vomiting Central Nervous System / General

Dose-Related Factors: Symptoms are explicitly documented as a result of taking too much of this medicine.

Emergency Actions: The regulatory guidance strictly requires two actions if an overdose is suspected:

  • Contact your doctor immediately.
  • Reach out to the nearest hospital immediately.

When Immediate Medical Help is Required

Immediate medical attention is necessary if any of the following circumstances occur:

  • If you have taken too much of this medicine.
  • If you experience any of the documented overdose symptoms.

Official regulatory documents classify this event as serious, resulting from excessive exposure and requiring prompt professional medical intervention. The overall profile emphasizes potentially severe symptoms, particularly affecting the nervous system, that necessitate urgent clinical evaluation and management.

Therapeutic Uses of Oxitil-OF

What Oxitil-OF Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary role of Oxitil-OF (Cefuroxime Axetil & Ofloxacin) is in its application for situations involving certain distressing symptoms associated with bacterial infections, particularly in acute or disruptive episodes. This dual-action approach is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden associated with certain infections.

This medication is used to manage a wide array of bacterial illnesses. The combination may assist with easing symptoms across key domains, including respiratory tract infections (like bronchitis and pneumonia), ENT infections (such as tonsillitis and sinusitis), urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections, and certain systemic infections like typhoid fever.

This combination supports relief from symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states and provides supportive relief used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms. It may assist with managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as painful urination (dysuria), severe sore throat, and high fever.


“It is applied when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain and short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Discomfort

Oxitil-OF is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required in contexts involving inflammatory or irritative processes where bacterial resistance may be a concern, contributing to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Oxitil-OF, a fixed-dose combination of Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin, is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines. The medicine is primarily intended for adults (aged 18 years and older).


Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

The medicine is absolutely contraindicated in the following groups:

  • Patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime Axetil, Ofloxacin, or any antibiotic in the cephalosporin or fluoroquinolone classes.
  • Children and growing adolescents (typically under 18 years) due to the risk associated with fluoroquinolones.
  • Pregnant women and breastfeeding women (lactation).

Condition-Based Restrictions

Certain pre-existing conditions define non-eligibility or necessitate conditional use:

  • Individuals with a history of epilepsy or other pre-existing Central Nervous System disorders that may lower the seizure threshold.
  • Patients with a history of tendon disorders (e.g., tendinopathy, rupture) related to prior quinolone use.
  • Patients with severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment are eligible only under restricted or cautious use, as defined by official labeling.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Oxitil-OF, a fixed-dose combination of Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin, is governed by the restrictions associated with its two distinct active components.

A key restriction relates to the Ofloxacin component’s potential for QTc interval prolongation. For this reason, co-administration with Class IA and Class III Antiarrhythmics is formally restricted or avoided in regulatory documents. This precaution extends to other medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval. Pharmacodynamic interactions also include the potentiation of Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity when Ofloxacin is co-administered with certain Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Furthermore, when combined with Vitamin K Antagonists (e.g., Warfarin), documented effects include the potential for enhanced anticoagulant activity, which increases the risk of bleeding.

From a pharmacokinetic standpoint, Probenecid is not recommended because it increases the systemic exposure of the Cefuroxime component by inhibiting its renal tubular clearance. Products containing multivalent cations, such as antacids, iron salts, and sucralfate, interfere with the absorption of Ofloxacin via chelation. This necessitates a mandatory timing separation rule: these products must not be taken within two hours before or two hours after Oxitil-OF administration. Finally, a population-specific constraint advises that the co-administration of Ofloxacin with corticosteroids increases the risk for severe tendon disorders, especially in patients aged 60 and older.

Mechanism of Action

Oxitil-OF is a fixed-dose combination containing two distinct antibacterial agents, cefpodoxime and ofloxacin, which target independent molecular pathways within susceptible bacteria.

Cefpodoxime, a beta-lactam, acts as an irreversible inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It covalently binds to and acylates specific bacterial enzymes known as Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are transpeptidases essential for cross-linking peptidoglycan strands. This modification blocks the final transpeptidation step, structurally compromising the bacterial cell wall and leading to a loss of osmotic integrity.

Ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, acts as an inhibitor of bacterial DNA topoisomerases, specifically targeting DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV. By stabilizing the cleaved DNA-enzyme complex, ofloxacin prevents the resealing of double-strand DNA breaks. The accumulation of these unrepaired breaks triggers a rapid cascade of cellular damage and disruption of critical molecular processes like replication and transcription, culminating in cellular demise. The synergistic deployment of both agents ensures broad-spectrum system-level antibacterial modulation through distinct mechanisms.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Oxitil-OF

This section describes the administration principles and dosage patterns for the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin.


Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of administration The approved route is Oral, administered as a Tablet.
Dosing schedule The standard adult regimen is typically one tablet of the FDC strength.
Frequency and Timing The required schedule is Twice Daily (every 12 hours), ensuring consistent drug levels over the course of treatment.
Timing in relation to meals The tablet may be taken without regard to meals (with or without food).
Preparation requirements The tablet must be swallowed whole and is strictly not to be crushed or chewed.
Course duration Typical treatment courses generally range from 7 to 14 days, though longer courses, such as up to 20 days, may be used for certain systemic conditions.

Official Administration Constraints

The correct use protocol includes specific conditions:

  • Kidney Function: The dosing interval must be extended for adult patients with known renal impairment where the Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) is less than 30 mL/min.
  • Co-Administration: The medicine should not be taken simultaneously with antacids or other agents that reduce stomach acidity. Doses must be separated by at least one to two hours to prevent reduced absorption of the Cefuroxime Axetil component.
  • Pediatric Use: The FDC tablet form's use in children may be limited by the necessity to swallow the tablet whole.

Summary of Use Protocol

The administration protocol requires the tablet to be taken intact on a Twice Daily schedule. Adherence to the renal adjustment rules and the timing constraints regarding antacids are procedural steps that govern the standardized use of this medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Acute Bacterial Infections

Research evaluating this medication focuses primarily on the two individual antibiotic components, Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin. Studies have examined these monotherapies in the context of acute conditions, such as respiratory tract infections and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Research conducted, often in the form of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), explored how symptoms changed over time, monitoring outcomes like measured clearance of the bacteria and overall changes in clinical symptoms. Findings describe patterns observed for short-term symptom outcomes, contributing to the understanding of how these antibiotic classes perform in susceptible populations.


Operational Research: The Rationale for Fixed-Dose Combinations

Beyond specific infection outcomes, research has been evaluated concerning the general design of Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which combine data from multiple studies, explored the operational benefits of FDCs across various therapeutic areas. Data show patterns related to a higher rate in how consistently patients take their medication (adherence) when using a single FDC tablet. This suggests that the convenience of one tablet was associated with greater adherence, which is the primary operational rationale for using this combination format.


Key Uncertainties and Research Gaps

The evidence base for the Oxitil-OF combination is largely built upon the established use of its two single components. The key limitation is the lack of extensive, dedicated RCTs that directly compare the specific Cefuroxime-Ofloxacin FDC against the two drugs given separately or against other standard treatments. Consequently, the evidence for the clinical rationale for combining these antibiotics is still emerging, and certainty remains low regarding any definitive advantage in efficacy. Furthermore, studies generally had limited follow-up durations, meaning that long-term outcomes and data for certain special patient subgroups remain insufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Oxitil-OF (FAQ)

Q: Does Oxitil-OF require a prescription in most countries?

According to regulatory documents from major governmental bodies, this medicine is classified as a human prescription drug. This classification indicates that it can only be dispensed under the authorization of a licensed healthcare professional.

Q: Are there any long-term effects associated with using Oxitil-OF?

Official safety information advises that certain serious effects associated with the fluoroquinolone component, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), can be potentially disabling and permanent. Regulatory warnings state that these effects may manifest within hours to weeks after starting the fluoroquinolone component.

Q: Is it normal to feel tired or fatigued while taking Oxitil-OF?

While other nervous system issues are noted, official safety data does not commonly list general fatigue or tiredness among the most frequent adverse reactions. Other common side effects of the medicine include dizziness and headache, which are officially documented.

Q: Can Oxitil-OF cause sun sensitivity?

The official warnings for the Ofloxacin component of the medicine mention a potential for photosensitivity or phototoxicity reactions. This indicates that exposure to sun or UV light may lead to a reaction. Official labeling advises on appropriate precautionary measures.

Q: Does Oxitil-OF have any known effect on sleep?

Official safety data includes reports of nervous system side effects related to sleep for the Ofloxacin component. These may include either insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or drowsiness (somnolence), which is an unusual feeling of sleepiness.

Q: Does Oxitil-OF contain any common allergens like gluten or lactose?

Regulatory documents list the inactive ingredients, or excipients, used in the tablets. These ingredients may include common substances such as lactose or starch derivatives. Patients can refer to the full list of excipients in the regulatory labeling for complete information.

Q: Can alcohol consumption be a problem while using Oxitil-OF?

Official safety information notes that alcohol consumption during the use of this medicine may be associated with worsening side effects. Furthermore, there are documented reports of a serious reaction, similar to a disulfiram reaction, with the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.

Q: Is it possible for Oxitil-OF to affect birth control pills?

Official prescribing information indicates a potential drug interaction where the Cefuroxime component may reduce the effectiveness of certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This effect specifically applies to combined contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol.

Q: Does Oxitil-OF interact with multivitamins or mineral supplements?

The official interactions list identifies an issue with products containing multivalent cations (positively charged ions) such as iron, calcium, and zinc, which are often found in multivitamins and supplements. These products can interfere with the medicine's absorption. Regulatory documents therefore require that doses be separated by at least two hours.

Q: What happens if I use Oxitil-OF while driving?

Official warnings advise that this medicine may cause nervous system side effects, including dizziness or sleepiness (somnolence). These effects can impair coordination and attention, which are necessary for operating machinery or driving.

Q: Is Oxitil-OF considered safe for older adults (seniors)?

Official safety statements specify that older adults are listed as a patient group with a documented increased risk for certain severe events. Specifically, they have an increased risk of severe tendon disorders when using the Ofloxacin component of the medicine.

Q: Does Oxitil-OF interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

According to regulatory documents, combining the Ofloxacin component with certain Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which includes Ibuprofen, may increase the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity. There is no specific regulatory warning regarding co-administration with Acetaminophen.

Q: Can people with diabetes use Oxitil-OF?

Official safety reports indicate that the Ofloxacin component has been associated with disturbances in blood glucose regulation. This includes reports of both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), sometimes requiring close monitoring in patients with diabetes.

Q: How quickly does Oxitil-OF typically start to work? (Onset)

Regulatory information from the clinical pharmacology section notes that the Ofloxacin component achieves its highest concentrations in the bloodstream within approximately one to two hours after taking the oral dose. This describes the time required for the Ofloxacin component to reach its highest level in the bloodstream.

Q: If a dose is forgotten, what is the general recommendation in official guidelines?

Official guidance for a missed dose recommends taking the forgotten dose as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the regulatory instruction is to skip the missed one entirely and continue with the regular schedule. Official instructions advise against taking two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Q: What if I feel better right away—can I stop taking Oxitil-OF?

Regulatory guidance on the proper use of this medicine states that the full treatment time outlined by the healthcare provider should be followed. This protocol is outlined regardless of early symptom improvement.

Q: What should I do if I think I have taken too much Oxitil-OF?

The official overdosage section in prescribing information advises that if an overdose of this medicine is suspected, official recommendations advise seeking emergency medical attention or contacting a poison control center for guidance.

Q: Is there a generic version of Oxitil-OF available?

Official records related to drug marketing status indicate that the medicine is generally available in a generic formulation. Generic formulations are typically approved under an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) after the original brand patent has expired.

How should Oxitil-OF be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Official regulatory documents define strict conditions for the storage and disposal of Oxitil-OF (Cefuroxime Axetil and Ofloxacin) tablets to ensure product quality.

Storage Constraints

The tablets must be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place, and the temperature must not exceed 30 C. The medicine must be protected from light and moisture and should be kept in its original container or packaging. It is a mandatory requirement to keep the product out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Oxitil-OF must be disposed of in accordance with local regulatory requirements. The product must not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste to prevent environmental contamination, as instructed by governmental agencies.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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