Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Noroxin

Generic Name: norfloxacin (Pronunciation: nor FLOX a sin)

What is norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

Norfloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Norfloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Norfloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the prostate and urinary tract. Norfloxacin also treats gonorrhea.

Norfloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Noroxin 400 mg

elliptical, pink, imprinted with NOROXIN, MSD 705

What are the possible side effects of norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using norfloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
seizure (convulsions);
confusion, hallucinations, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling light-headed;
severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
pain in your upper stomach, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling;
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, mild diarrhea, stomach cramps, heartburn;
headache, dizziness;
rectal pain;
sweating;
back pain; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

You should not use norfloxacin if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to norfloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others.

You should not use this medication if you have ever had swelling or tearing of a tendon caused by taking norfloxacin or similar antibiotics.

Before taking norfloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, joint problems, seizures or epilepsy, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take norfloxacin.

Norfloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking norfloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking norfloxacin (Noroxin)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.