Norfloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the genitals, prostate, bladder, stomach and bowels.
This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.
Take Norfloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Always take it with a full glass of water, unless your doctor has specifically told you not to do so.
Norfloxacin must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Norfloxacin if you have ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, and ofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have history of tendonitis (an inflammation of tendon) or related conditions as Norfloxacin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles)
- syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease)
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
- tendon or muscle injury
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Norfloxacin.
Norfloxacin may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and headache. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost.
Norfloxacin may also cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, including tanning beds and sun lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- ruptured tendon usually characterized by a snap or pop you hear or feel, severe pain, bruising, and marked weakness on the affected area e.g. kneecap, shoulders, heel
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- irregular heartbeat
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, having thoughts of self-harm, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, insulin
- theophylline (medicine for asthma)
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide
- medicines for pain and/or inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib, prednisone
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines for stomach problems e.g. sucralfate
- probenecid (a medicine for gout)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Norfloxacin.
This medicine should not be taken at the same time as antacids or supplements that contain aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. These may reduce the effectiveness of Norfloxacin. If you must take antacids or multivitamins containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc, take Norfloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after such products.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid taking Norfloxacin together with dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt or ice-cream. Dairy products may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time. Take Norfloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you have taken any dairy products.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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