Norfloxacin Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

NORFLOXACIN (nor FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, milk and/or other dairy products. Do not take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in hearing

• changes in vision

• confusion, hallucinations, tremor

• depression or suicidal thoughts

• dizziness

• fever, chills

• irregular heartbeat, feeling faint

• joint, muscle, tendon pain or swelling

• persistent headache with or without blurred vision

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• unusually weak or tired

• unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness

• vaginal irritation, discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bitter taste

• constipation, diarrhea

• headache

• loss of appetite

• stomach upset, nausea

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• droperidol

• pimozide

• some medications for irregular heart rhythm

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antacids with aluminum, magnesium

• caffeine

• cyclosporine

• didanosine buffered tablets or solution

• digoxin

• erythromycin

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for diabetes

• nitrofurantoin

• probenecid

• some medicines for pain and swelling like ibuprofen, naproxen

• sucralfate

• theophylline

• tizanidine

• vitamins with iron or zinc

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep bottle closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems

• cerebral disease

• glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase related disorder

• joint problems

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• myasthenia gravis

• seizure disorder

• tendon problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to norfloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Make sure you stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink several glasses of fluids a day.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood sugar carefully. If your blood sugar reading is unusual, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate, antacids, or iron or zinc products within 2 hours of taking this medicine.