Brand
name: NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
Pronounced: Nor-OX-in
Generic name: Norfloxacin
Why is NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) prescribed?
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) is an antibacterial medication used to treat infections of
the urinary tract, including cystitis (inflammation of the inner lining
of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection), prostatitis (inflammation
of the prostate gland), and certain sexually transmitted diseases,
such as gonorrhea.
Most important fact about NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) without a
prescriptions
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) is not given for the treatment of syphilis. When used in high
doses for a short period of time to treat gonorrhea, it may actually
mask or delay the symptoms of syphilis. Your doctor may perform certain
tests for syphilis at the time of diagnosing gonorrhea, and after treatment
with NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor).
How should you take NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)?
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) should be taken, with a glass of water, either 1 hour before
or 2 hours after eating a meal or drinking milk. Do not take more than
the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will only prescribe NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) to treat a bacterial infection;
it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important
to take the full dosage schedule of this medication, even if you're
feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule
may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that
the bacteria may become resistant to NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) and similar antibiotics.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor).
If you miss a dose...
Be sure to take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant
amount of NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) in your body. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time.
Storage instructions NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed. Store out
of reach of children.
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
whether it is safe for you to continue taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness
Why should NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) not be prescribed?
You should not be using NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) if you are sensitive to it or to other
drugs of the same type, such as Cipro, or if you have suffered tendon
inflammation or tearing due to the use of such drugs. See "Special
Warnings" section.
Special warnings about NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) is not recommended for:
Children (under the age of 18)
Nursing mothers
Pregnant women
People with disorders such as epilepsy, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis,
and other conditions that might lead to seizures should use NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
cautiously. There have been reports of convulsions in some people taking
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor).
Use NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) with caution if you suffer from the disease Myasthenia
gravis. NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) may cause life-threatening respiratory problems under
these circumstances.
If you develop diarrhea, tell your doctor. It could be a symptom of
a potentially serious intestinal inflammation.
Some people taking drugs chemically similar to NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) have experienced
severe, sometimes fatal reactions, occasionally after only one dose.
These reactions may include: Confusion, convulsions, difficulty breathing,
hallucinations, heart collapse, hives, increased pressure in the head,
itching, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, psychosis, rash,
restlessness, shock, swelling in the face or throat, tingling, tremors.
If you experience any of these reactions you should immediately stop
taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) and seek medical help.
There is a small chance that NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) may weaken the muscle tendons
in your shoulder, hand, or heel, causing them to tear. Should this
happen, surgery or at least a long period of disability would be in
store. If you feel any pain, inflammation, or tearing, stop taking
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) immediately and call your doctor. Rest and avoid exercise until
the doctor is certain the tendons are intact.
In rare cases, people taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) have developed an irregular hearbeat.
Although it is unknown if NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) was definitely the cause, you should
still use the drug with caution if you have low potassium levels, a
slow heartbeat, or take drugs to control your heartbeat.
Some people find needle-shaped crystals in their urine after taking
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor). Drink plenty of fluids while taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor). This will increase
urine output and reduce crystallization.
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) may cause dizziness or light-headedness and might impair your
ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.
Use caution when undertaking any activities that require full alertness
if you are unsure of your ability.
You should avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight while taking
NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor). Stop taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) and contact your doctor immediately if
you have a severe reaction to sunlight, such as a skin rash.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
If NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) 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 NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) with the following:
Antacids such as Maalox and Tums
Caffeine (including coffee, tea, and some soft drinks)
Calcium supplements
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Didanosine (Videx)
Glyburide (Micronase)
Multivitamins and other products containing iron or zinc
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
Oral blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Do not take NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) while breastfeeding. There is a possibility of
harm to the infant.
Recommended dosage for NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor)
Take NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) with a full glass of water 1 hour before, or 2 hours
after, eating a meal or drinking milk. Drink plenty of liquids while
taking NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor).
The elderly and people with kidney problems may need to use a reduced
dosage or have their kidney function monitored.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
The suggested dose is 800 milligrams per day; 400 milligrams should
be taken twice a day for 3 to 10 days, depending upon the kind of bacteria
causing the infection. People with impaired kidney function may take
400 milligrams once a day for 3 to 10 days.
Complicated Urinary Tract Infections :The suggested dose
is 800 milligrams per day; 400 milligrams should be taken twice a day
for 10 to 21 days.
Prostatitis :The usual daily dose is 800 milligrams,
divided into 2 doses of 400 milligrams each, taken for 28 days.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Gonorrhea)
The usual recommended dose is one single dose of 800 milligrams for
1 day.
The total daily dosage of NORFLOX (Noroxin, Norfloxacin, Utinor) should not be more than 800 milligrams.
Overdosage
