Norfloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the bladder, prostate, or genitals.
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.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Norfloxacin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
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 ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of tendon disorders, including tendinitis (inflammation of tendons) as Norfloxacin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Norfloxacin if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Norfloxacin may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not give this medicine to children or growing adolescents unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), aortic aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the lower major blood vessel away from the heart)
- heart rhythm disorders e.g. slow heartbeat, congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast heartbeats)
- blood vessel problems
- electrolyte imbalance e.g. low blood potassium or magnesium levels
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles)
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
- known history of myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- kidney disease
- received a solid organ transplant
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking Norfloxacin, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. kidney and liver function, complete blood count) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
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: headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and indigestion.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- sudden severe pain in the abdomen, chest or back
- severe pain, tenderness, swelling of muscles, joints or tendons
- weakness, pain, tingling, numbness or burning sensation in the arms or legs
- severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, having thoughts of self-harm, seeing, hearing or feeling things that does not exist)
- chest pain, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
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:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- glibenclamide (medicine for diabetes)
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Norfloxacin.
This medicine should not be taken at the same time as antacids and vitamins or supplements containing iron, zinc, magnesium, or aluminium. These agents may reduce the effectiveness of Norfloxacin. If you must take antacids and vitamins or supplements containing iron, zinc, magnesium, or aluminium, take Norfloxacin at least 2 hours before or after such agents.
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 alcohol.
Do not take Norfloxacin 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 1 hour before or 2 hours after you have taken any dairy products.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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