Drug Name

Noroxin (Norfloxacin)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How Taken

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 noroxin 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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Noroxin 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking noroxin, 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 noroxin 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.

Possible 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.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function test, blood counts, cultures) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.