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In this Article

• What is norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• What are the possible side effects of norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• How should I take norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Noroxin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Noroxin)?
• What should I avoid while taking norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• What other drugs will affect norfloxacin (Noroxin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to norfloxacin or other fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking norfloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you are being treated with one of these medications: quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take norfloxacin:

• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• myasthenia gravis;
• joint problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or a history of seizures;
• diabetes;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether norfloxacin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Norfloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Norfloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking norfloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

How should I take norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take norfloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine.

Take norfloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal, drinking milk, or eating a dairy product such as yogurt or cheese.

If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Norfloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.