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|Norfloxacin Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin

Generic name: Norfloxacin
Brand names: Noroxin

Why is Norfloxacin prescribed?

Norfloxacin is an antibacterial medication used to treat infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), and certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea.

Most important fact about Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is not given for the treatment of syphilis. When used in high doses for a short period of time to treat gonorrhea, it may actually mask or delay the symptoms of syphilis. Your doctor may perform certain tests for syphilis at the time of diagnosing gonorrhea, and after treatment with Norfloxacin.

How should you take Norfloxacin?

Norfloxacin should be taken, with a glass of water, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or drinking milk. Do not take more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will only prescribe Norfloxacin to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It"s important to take the full dosage schedule of Norfloxacin, even if you"re feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug"s effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Norfloxacin and similar antibiotics.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking Norfloxacin.

--If you miss a dose...

Be sure to take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of Norfloxacin in your body. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed. Store out of reach of children.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Norfloxacin.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal cramping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness

Why should Norfloxacin not be prescribed?

You should not be using Norfloxacin if you are sensitive to it or to other drugs of the same type, such as Cipro, or if you have suffered tendon inflammation or tearing due to the use of such drugs. See "Special Warnings" section.

Special warnings about Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is not recommended for:

Children (under the age of 18)
Nursing mothers
Pregnant women

People with disorders such as epilepsy, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, and other conditions that might lead to seizures should use Norfloxacin cautiously. There have been reports of convulsions in some people taking Norfloxacin.

Use Norfloxacin with caution if you suffer from the disease Myasthenia gravis. Norfloxacin may cause life-threatening respiratory problems under these circumstances.

If you develop diarrhea, tell your doctor. It could be a symptom of a potentially serious intestinal inflammation.

Some people taking drugs chemically similar to Norfloxacin have experienced severe, sometimes fatal reactions, occasionally after only one dose. These reactions may include: Confusion, convulsions, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, heart collapse, hives, increased pressure in the head, itching, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, psychosis, rash, restlessness, shock, swelling in the face or throat, tingling, tremors.

If you experience any of these reactions you should immediately stop taking Norfloxacin and seek medical help.

There is a small chance that Norfloxacin may weaken the muscle tendons in your shoulder, hand, or heel, causing them to tear. Should this happen, surgery or at least a long period of disability would be in store. If you feel any pain, inflammation, or tearing, stop taking Norfloxacin immediately and call your doctor. Rest and avoid exercise until the doctor is certain the tendons are intact.

In rare cases, people taking Norfloxacin have developed an irregular hearbeat. Although it is unknown if Norfloxacin was definitely the cause, you should still use the drug with caution if you have low potassium levels, a slow heartbeat, or take drugs to control your heartbeat.

Some people find needle-shaped crystals in their urine after taking Norfloxacin. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Norfloxacin. This will increase urine output and reduce crystallization.

Norfloxacin may cause dizziness or light-headedness and might impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Use caution when undertaking any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure of your ability.

You should avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight while taking Norfloxacin. Stop taking Norfloxacin and contact your doctor immediately if you have a severe reaction to sunlight, such as a skin rash.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Norfloxacin

If Norfloxacin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Norfloxacin with the following:

Antacids such as Maalox and Tums
Caffeine (including coffee, tea, and some soft drinks)
Calcium supplements
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Didanosine (Videx)
Glyburide (Micronase)
Multivitamins and other products containing iron or zinc
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
Oral blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Norfloxacin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Do not take Norfloxacin while breastfeeding. There is a possibility of harm to the infant.

Recommended dosage

Take Norfloxacin with a full glass of water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, eating a meal or drinking milk. Drink plenty of liquids while taking Norfloxacin.

The elderly and people with kidney problems may need to use a reduced dosage or have their kidney function monitored.

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

The suggested dose is 800 milligrams per day; 400 milligrams should be taken twice a day for 3 to 10 days, depending upon the kind of bacteria causing the infection. People with impaired kidney function may take 400 milligrams once a day for 3 to 10 days.

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

The suggested dose is 800 milligrams per day; 400 milligrams should be taken twice a day for 10 to 21 days.

Prostatitis

The usual daily dose is 800 milligrams, divided into 2 doses of 400 milligrams each, taken for 28 days.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Gonorrhea)

The usual recommended dose is one single dose of 800 milligrams for 1 day.

The total daily dosage of Norfloxacin should not be more than 800 milligrams.

Overdosage

The symptoms of overdose with Norfloxacin are not known. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Norfloxacin overdose, seek medical help immediately.