Noroxin
Generic Name: Norfloxacin
What is Noroxin?
Noroxin is a type of antibiotic known as a quinolone and is used to treat bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and prostate infections.What is the most important information I should know about Noroxin?
Fluoroquinolones, like Noroxin, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis (inflammation or irritation of a tendon) and tendon rupture in all ages. The risk is further increased in older patients usually >60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart, or lung transplants.The use of Noroxin may cause you to develop a serious allergic reaction that may be fatal. It is important to immediately notify your physician if you develop any type of rash; difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or throat tightening.
Pseudomembranous colitis (an infection of the colon resulting in diarrhea) has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including Noroxin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you experience diarrhea during or after treatment with antibacterial agents such as Noroxin.
Stop taking Noroxin and notify your doctor immediately if you experience fainting spells, abnormal heartbeat or heart rhythm changes, seizures, skin rash, a sunburn-like reaction or skin eruption, or changes in sensation and possible nerve damage characterized by pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
The safety and efficacy of Noroxin in children, adolescents <18 years old, pregnant women, and nursing mothers have not been established.
Quinolones, including norfloxacin, may worsen the signs of myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disorder characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness), leading to difficulty breathing that may be life-threatening.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated; however, you should take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.
Who should not take Noroxin?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had a severe reaction to an antibiotic known as a fluoroquinolone, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Noroxin, or have had tendinitis or tendon rupture with the use of Noroxin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Noroxin?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Noroxin. Give your doctor your complete medical history, especially if you have tendon problems, central nervous system problems (such as epilepsy), nerve problems, myasthenia gravis, a personal or family history of irregular heartbeat (especially a condition called QTc prolongation), low potassium (hypokalemia), a slow heartbeat called bradycardia, a history of seizures, kidney problems, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other history of joint problems, or are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) (cystitis) due to E. coli, K. pneumoniae, or P. mirabilis
Adults ≥18 years: The usual starting dose is 400 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for 3 days.Uncomplicated UTIs Due to Other Indicated Organisms
Adults ≥18 years: The usual starting dose is 400 mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days.Complicated UTIs
Adults ≥18 years: The usual starting dose is 400 mg every 12 hours for 10-21 days.Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
Adults ≥18 years: The usual starting dose is a single dose of 800 mg for one day.Prostatitis, Acute or Chronic
Adults ≥18 years: The usual starting dose is 400 mg every 12 hours for 28 days.For elderly patients or patients with kidney problems, the dosage may be different. Contact your doctor for more information.
How should I take Noroxin?
Take Noroxin at least 1 hour before, or at least 2 hours after, a meal or drinking milk and/or other dairy products.Take Noroxin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). It is important to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Noroxin, to protect your kidneys.
Multivitamins, other products containing iron or zinc, antacids containing magnesium and aluminum, sucralfate, or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or the pediatric powder for oral solution should not be taken within 2 hours before or after taking Noroxin.
Take Noroxin at evenly spaced intervals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take Noroxin for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Noroxin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What should I avoid while taking Noroxin?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (eg, sunlamps or tanning beds). Noroxin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and more susceptible to sunburn. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.Noroxin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It is important to avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks (eg, driving, operating machinery, engaging in activities that require mental alertness) until you are used to the effects of Noroxin.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Noroxin?
If Noroxin 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 Noroxin with any of the following: antacids; antidepressants; aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); blood thinners such as warfarin; caffeine; cisapride; clozapine; corticosteroids; cyclosporine; didanosine; diuretics; erythromycin; heart rhythm medications such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol; insulin or oral diabetes medications such as glyburide; multivitamins or other products containing iron or zinc; nitrofurantoin; probenecid; ropinirole; sucralfate; tacrine; theophylline; and tizanidine.What are the possible side effects of Noroxin?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, stomach (abdominal) cramping, weakness, changes in certain liver function tests
If rash occurs, stop taking Noroxin and call your doctor right away.
Can I receive Noroxin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Noroxin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Noroxin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 2 hours late in taking your medicine, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.How should I store Noroxin?
Store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
