This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on noroxin.
Noroxin Consumer Information
NOROXIN
Generic Name: norfloxacin (nor FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Noroxin
What is the most important information I should know about norfloxacin?
- Take all of the norfloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Take norfloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent norfloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.
- Take norfloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of norfloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of norfloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
What is norfloxacin?
- Norfloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Norfloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and prostate infections.
- Norfloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking norfloxacin?
- Before taking norfloxacin, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease; or
- seizures or epilepsy.
- You may not be able to take norfloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Norfloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether norfloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is unknown whether norfloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Norfloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. Norfloxacin may interfere with bone development.
How should I take norfloxacin?
- Take norfloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take norfloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent norfloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.
- Take norfloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Take norfloxacin at evenly spaced intervals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of norfloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of norfloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
- Take all of the norfloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since you missed the dose, skip it and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- The most common symptom of a norfloxacin overdose is seizures.
What should I avoid while taking norfloxacin?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Norfloxacin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, swelling, blistering, itching or a rash after exposure to sunlight.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Norfloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.