norfloxacin-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking norfloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, brain disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), muscle disease/weakness (e.g., myasthenia gravis), heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, slow heart rate, torsades de pointes, QTc interval prolongation), kidney disease, mineral imbalance (e.g., low potassium or magnesium), history of tendonitis/tendon problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects of the drug, especially tendon damage (e.g., tendon rupture). Using corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) and norfloxacin together may increase the risk of tendon problems. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to side effects of the drug (joint/tendon problems). Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How to Use section. Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone), cyclosporine, glyburide, live vaccines, warfarin. Other drugs besides norfloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, and erythromycin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and for instructions on how you may minimize the risk of this effect. Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with norfloxacin, such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking over-the-counter products which contain caffeine used to keep you awake and alert. This drug may increase and/or prolong the effects of caffeine.
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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