1. Take the MRSA Quiz!
2. Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures
3. Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

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

You should not use norfloxacin if:

• you have a history of myasthenia gravis;
• you have ever had swelling or tearing of a tendon caused by taking norfloxacin or similar antibiotics; or
• you are allergic to norfloxacin or similar medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take norfloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
• joint problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or a history of seizures;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

It is not known whether norfloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using norfloxacin.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether norfloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

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.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

How should I take norfloxacin (Noroxin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take norfloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine.

Take norfloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal, drinking milk, or eating a dairy product such as yogurt or cheese.

If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Norfloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.