What is Novidat?
A type of antibiotic, Novidat is a ciprofloxacin that hails from the quinolone group of antibiotics. Quinolones are mostly used to treat bacterial infections. Novidat’s mode of operation is by stopping the growth of the bacteria. When bacteria do not proliferate, the body is saved from their ill-effects. Novidat, however, is only effective against bacterial infections.
Novidat Formula:
Novidat is a composite of ciprofloxacin and is grouped as a quinolone.
What are the Available Forms of Novidat in Pakistan?
Novidat is available in 3 different forms, including:
- Tablets
- Dry powder for suspension
- Solution for injection
Novidat Dosage and Strength:
Novidat is available in different strengths:
- Tablet as 250mg
- Tablet as 500mg
- Dry powder for oral suspension 125mg
- Dry powder for oral suspension 250mg
- Solution for injection as 200mg
- Solution for injection as 400mg
Generally, adults are prescribed dosage strength of 500mg to 1000mg, daily.
How to take Novidat?
Novidat can be taken on an empty stomach, or after consuming food. It is preferred, however, that the medicine be taken with food in order to protect against an upset stomach. It may also lead to gastric ulcers when taken on an empty stomach. Moreover, if you feel any pain or nausea after taking Novidat, inform your doctor or nurse as it may be an indicator of gastric ulcer. Doctors may either change the medicine or give drugs to ease the pain.
The tablet also should not be crushed or chewed. Instead, take it as a whole with a glass of water to ease swallowing. It is vital to follow the doctor’s instructions and not self-alter the dosage of the medicine. There can be unwanted consequences of self-tweaking the dosage. Patients should also complete the antibiotics course, as suggested by the doctor. Before stopping the consumption of the medicine, you may consult with your doctor.
What are the Uses of Novidat?
Novidat is used to treat many issues, some of which include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Otitis media
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Salmonellosis
- Infections of the oral cavity
- Lyme disease
- Prophylaxis for anthrax exposure
- Meningitis
- Endocarditis
- H. Pylori infection
- Skin infections
- Typhoid fever
- Parathyroid fever
- Prosthetic joints infection
- Tonsillitis
- Pharyngitis
- Cystitis
- Urethritis
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Furunculosis
- It is also common to use Novidat in case of diarrhea
What are the side effects of Novidat?
Despite its defense against the bacteria, Novidat may also yield some unwanted results. These side-effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit containing coffee grounds
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Black stools
- Acid reflux
- Anemia
- Elevation of liver enzymes
- Diarrhea
- Serum sickness
- Crystalluria
- Tendinitis
What are the risks and warnings for Novidat?
Allergic to ciprofloxacin
People can be allergic to ciprofloxacin. In extreme cases, an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin can also lead to anaphylactic shock. This state is noticed by swelling of the throat and tongue, which makes breathing extremely difficult, vomiting, nausea, disorientation, etc. If not treated in time, it may also result in death.
Thus, patients should disclose their allergies to their doctor, so their prescription is written accordingly. They should also read the labels before using medicines, as ciprofloxacin is also available under brand names other than Novidat.
Non-susceptible organisms
It is important to give ciprofloxacin to the patient only when bacteria are sensitive to it. Otherwise, bacteria will not respond to the antibiotic, and instead, develop resistance against it.
Antibiotic resistance is a dangerous phenomenon. It makes it very hard to treat bacterial infections, and stronger doses, as well as different drugs, may be needed by the body to fight future bacterial attacks. It is most commonly applied in cases of urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear, and throat.
Diarrhea
Ciprofloxacin may also result in diarrhea. Our gastrointestinal tract contains good bacteria that help the body stay well. When one takes antibiotics, these good bacteria are also killed. This upsets the balance of the tract, leading to adverse effects of the GI tract like diarrhea.
If you face the same issue, you should take your complaints to your health care provider.
Tendinitis
Since Ciprofloxacin can aggravate the disease or inflammation of the tendons, people suffering from these conditions should refrain from using Ciprofloxacin.
Peripheral neuropathy
Ciprofloxacin can lead to peripheral neuropathy. People already suffering from this condition are advised not to use Ciprofloxacin.
Muscle weakness or Myasthenia Gravis
Muscle weakness as is the case in the Myasthenia Gravis diseases can be aggravated by quinolones. Therefore, patients having Myasthenia Gravis should not use Ciprofloxacin and should disclose this to their doctor.
Seizures
People with a history of seizures or renal impairment are not recommended Novidat, as it can exacerbate their condition and trigger seizures.
Moreover, people with medical conditions like brain tumors, brain injury, or cerebral atherosclerosis are already at risk of having seizures. They too, should refrain from using Novidat, or at least use caution when taking it. Always have your health care provider in the loop so that in case taking Novidat is imperative, your health is closely monitored.
Kidney failure
Kidneys perform the vital task of removal of toxic and waste substances in the body. As drugs are metabolized, waste may be produced more than normal. If kidneys do not work well, toxins can build up in the body, leading to health complications.
People with kidney problems should thus disclose such preexisting conditions to the doctor, who might then have to decrease the dosage of the drug.
Gastric ulcers
As Novidat can affect the gastrointestinal tract, people with gastric issues like ulcers and acidity should take the medicine with caution. Since the impact of the ulceration of the stomach lasts long after stopping the medication, doctors may also prescribe gastroprotective agents alongside to prevent this scenario.
Liver diseases
Drugs are metabolized and excreted via the liver, and any issue therein results in drug accumulation in the body, which naturally has grave implications for your health. Therefore, patients with liver disease should also take Novidat with caution, due to the impaired functionality of the liver.
Heart diseases and hypertension
Patients with a history of heart disease, heart attack or high blood pressure aka hypertension should take Novidat with caution, as it can aggravate the condition.
Mental disorders
People who have mental issues and conditions like anxiety and depression are also advised to take Novidat with caution, since it can exacerbate their symptoms. Thus, sharing full medical history with the doctor, regardless of whether it pertains to your mental or physical health, is imperative.
Blood vessels diseases
Similar caution is recommended to patients with a history of blood vessel disease like atherosclerosis or aneurysms.
Marfan syndrome
Patients suffering from Marfan syndrome are recommended to take Novidat with caution. They should talk to their healthcare provider before taking antibiotics.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heartbeat becomes abnormal. Since ciprofloxacin can cause QT interval prolongation of the heart, patients should take Novidat with extreme caution, as it can prove life-threatening otherwise.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant women are advised against taking Novidat, unless recommended otherwise by their doctor, as it can affect the baby’s health. Lactating mothers, likewise, should consult a health care provider before taking Novidat.
In general, pregnant, and nursing women are not prescribed Novidat to protect the baby.
Interactions between Novidat and other medications:
Ciprofloxacin can interact with other drugs. However, drug interaction does not mean that you cease the use of the drugs of your own accord, but instead, talk to your healthcare provider.
Drugs Ciprofloxacin may interact with include:
- Probenecid
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Allopurinol
- Oral birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.
- Opioid drugs
- Drugs that affect heart rhythms like procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, and dofetilide.
In order to prevent drug interaction, it is imperative that you give a detailed history to your doctor, which includes any ailments that you might have and other medicines that you might be taking. This way, your prescription is drafted keeping in mind your health, and these interactions are then avoided.
What is the price of Novidat in Pakistan?
- The price of one table of Novidat 250mg is Rs.17.5/-.
- 60ml of Novidat syrup costs Rs. 127.34/
Storage Conditions:
- Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children
- Do not use the medicine after it expires
- Store at room temperature.
How to get Novidat in Pakistan?
To get Novidat tablets, you need to take your doctor-signed prescription to your pharmacist. Similarly, Novidat syrup for children is also given after checking against the doctor’s prescription.
What medicines are available as alternatives to Novidat in Pakistan?
Ciprofloxacin is also available under names other than Novidat. These include:
- Mercip
- Ciprin
- Hiflox
Conclusion:
Novidat can be used against a wide range of bacterial infections. However, it is very important to take the medicines only at the doctor’s discretion. You should also follow the protocols of intake as mandated by the prescription to avoid any complications later on.
In order to consult a doctor before using Novidat, make sure to use Oladocx and get the best expert counseling while availing up to a 50 percent discount on your appointments.
