GENERIC NAME: NORFLOXACIN - ORAL (nor-FLOX-uh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Noroxin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Norfloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day, at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal or dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt). Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. The dosage is based on your medical condition. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Calcium-enriched juices, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with norfloxacin preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, stomach upset, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: tremor, sunburn-like skin reaction (sun sensitivity). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, mental/mood changes (including rare thoughts of suicide), persistent sore throat/fever, vision changes, hearing loss, change in amount or appearance of urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, numbness/tingling of arms/legs. This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendon rupture, tendonitis). Stop exercising, rest, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience joint/tendon pain. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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