Noroxin (Norfloxacin)

Do’s

• Take Noroxin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily with a full glass of water (every 12 hours).
• Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters).
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Noroxin unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
• Take Noroxin at least 2 hours before or after other medications that may interfere with its absorption (consult your healthcare provider for details).
• Continue taking Noroxin for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or persists after using Noroxin.

Don'ts

• Don't take Noroxin with any food or dairy products within 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking it.
• Don't take large amounts of caffeine while using Noroxin.
• Don't stop taking Noroxin early, even if symptoms disappear.
• Don't crush, chew, or break Noroxin tablets. Swallow them whole.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity)

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Serious allergic reactions, such as hives or rapid heartbeat
• Severe skin reactions, including severe sunburn, blisters, or swelling of the skin due to photosensitivity
• Tendon-related issues, such as swelling or tearing of tendons
• Nerve damage, which may cause permanent nerve damage
• Serious heart rhythm changes, such as QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes
• Other serious side effects that can happen at the same time and could result in death

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Noroxin,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to Noroxin or other quinolone antibiotics before taking it.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, especially joint/tendon problems, kidney disease, mental/mood disorders, myasthenia gravis, nerve problems, seizure disorder, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions.

Noroxin may affect heart rhythm. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart conditions or medications that can affect heart rhythm, and also about low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

Norfloxacin may affect blood sugar levels, so monitor your blood sugar regularly and tell your healthcare provider about any changes. Be aware of symptoms of high or low blood sugar and how to treat them.

Noroxin may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Noroxin can increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors.

Noroxin may interfere with live bacterial vaccines. Inform your healthcare provider about Noroxin use before any vaccinations.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Noroxin, before surgery.

Children and older adults may be at higher risk for certain side effects with Noroxin use.

Noroxin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Noroxin passes into breast milk, so consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.