Noroxin
Norfloxacin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Noroxin
Noroxin belongs to quinolone group of antibiotics. It acts by preventing the growth of sensitive bacteria and used for treatment of bacterial infection. It is not useful in viral infection. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Therapeutic Uses of Noroxin
Noroxin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections which are sensitive to it.
Direction of use of Noroxin
- Take Noroxin two times a day by mouth at least 1 hour before food or at least 2 hours after meal or dairy food like milk, yogurt etc.
- Take Noroxin with a glass of water and also drink plenty of fluid if you are taking Noroxin.
- The dose of Noroxin is based on you medical condition. Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples of medicines which contain magnesium, aluminum and/or calcium are quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable or dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins and minerals, antacids, calcium enriched juices or calcium supplements, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate etc. All these products can bind with Noroxin and prevent its efficient absorption.
- Noroxin and any other antibiotics work best if you maintain constant level of it in your body and it can be achieved by taking it at a regular interval and the same time every day. Keep taking Noroxin for the full course even if you feel better after taking few doses of it. If you stop it before full course, the bacteria may keep growing and they may also develop resistant or the condition may relapse. Inform your doctor if there is worsening of your medical condition or it persists for longer.
If You Miss a Dose of Noroxin
If you miss a dose of Noroxin, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is near time for the next dose you should skip the dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Noroxin
Noroxin is stored ideally at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), but brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. It should be stored away from moisture, heat and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store Noroxin in bathroom. Keep Noroxin out of reach of children.
More Information About Noroxin
Do not share Noroxin with others or take it for other conditions (as it is prescribed for the current infection only and other infections may not respond to it) later on including any infection without consulting your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests like kidney function test, blood counts, and cultures may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details if you have any doubt about Noroxin.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Noroxin
- If you have to take Noroxin, you should inform if you have allergy to any of the ingredients of it and also if you have allergy to other quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin etc. Inform your doctor if you have any other allergy.
- Use Noroxin during pregnancy only if it is clearly indicated and consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy.
- Noroxin may be found in the breast milk and have undesired side effects in your feeding baby. So breast feeding is not advisable during treatment with Noroxin and you should consult your doctor before breast feeding.
- Noroxin may cause drowsiness and dizziness. You should be careful during risky works that need constant attention and monitoring and also while driving. Avoid alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness caused by Noroxin.
- Before using Noroxin you should tell your doctor about your medical history. Inform your doctor if you have seizures, brain disorders (cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumor, and increased intracranial pressure), muscle disease or muscle weakness like myasthenia gravis, heart problems like cardiomyopathy, slow heart rate (bradycardia), torsades de pointes, QTc interval prolongation in ECG, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalance like low potassium or magnesium in blood, history of tendonitis or any tendon problem.
- Noroxin may cause increased sensitivity to sun. You should avoid exposure to sun, tanning booths and sunlamps especially for prolonged periods. If you have to go for outdoor activities you should used protective clothing or sunscreen.
- Noroxin should be used with extreme caution in children as they may have more side effects due to Noroxin, like joint and tendon problems. You should discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using it in children.
- Use Noroxin with caution in elderly also as they may be more sensitive to it. Elderly people may have more side effects like tendon damage or tendon rupture. If you are using corticosteroids like prednisone with Noroxin, they may increase tendon problems.
Possible Side Effects of Noroxin
- Nausea, headache, mild vomiting, stomach upset, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness etc. are common side effects of Noroxin. Consult your doctor if these side effects are persistent or worsening.
- This medicine is prescribed for benefit of you and some people do not get any serious side effects due to Noroxin; and some people do not get any side effect. Inform your doctor if you get any unlikely side effects like tremor, sunburn like skin reaction or sun sensitivity.
- Noroxin may cause tendon problems like tendon rupture or tendonitis. You should not exercise during taking Noroxin and inform your doctor if you get any tendon pain or joint pain.
- Noroxin may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition known as pseudo membranous colitis, which is due to a resistant bacterium. This condition may occur even weeks after treatment has stopped.
- Do not use any anti diarrhea product (if you have diarrhea) or narcotic pain medications (if you have severe pain) while taking Noroxin as these conditions may be worsened. Inform your doctor immediately if you have persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, abdominal cramp, blood or mucus in your stool.
- Use of Noroxin for a prolonged period or repeatedly may result in oral candidiasis (oral thrush) or new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth or a change in vaginal discharge.
- Inform your doctor immediately if any of the rare but very serious side effects occur. The rare and serious side effects are seizures, mental or mood change (including rare thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts), persistent sore throat, persistent fever, vision changes, hearing loss, change in amount urine, change in appearance of urine, fainting, fast, slow or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), easy bruising and bleeding, numbness and tingling of hands and legs, yellowing of the eyes and/or skin etc.