Norfloxacin tablets for infection

About norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is given to treat urinary tract infections, such as cystitis and chronic prostatitis. It works by killing the bacteria which are the cause of the infection.

Before taking norfloxacin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking norfloxacin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you are under 18 years of age.

• If you have ever experienced a problem with your tendons after taking another quinolone antibiotic (these are called ofloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and nalidixic acid).

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have epilepsy or any other condition that causes fits.

• If you have a heart condition, or if you have been told you have an unusual heartbeat.

• If you have a condition causing tired and weak muscles, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you know you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is a genetic disorder which causes problems after eating foods such as fava beans.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take norfloxacin

• Before you start taking the tablets, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about norfloxacin and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take norfloxacin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one 400 mg tablet, taken twice a day. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• You should take the tablets when your stomach is empty, which means taking them one hour before any food, or waiting until two hours afterwards. This is because your body absorbs less norfloxacin after a meal, which means the medicine is less effective.

• Try to space out the doses over the day - so ideally, take a dose every 12 hours.

• Do not drink milk or take indigestion remedies or medicines containing iron or zinc (such as multivitamin tablets) during the two hours before you take norfloxacin, or during the two hours after you have taken a dose. This is because these things interfere with the way norfloxacin is absorbed by your body, and stop it from working fully.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due. If your next dose is due then take the dose which is due but leave out the forgotten one. Do not take two tablets together to make up for a missed dose.

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop by your doctor). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment usually lasts for 7-10 days, although it may be for a shorter time than this if you are a woman. If you have a long-term (chronic) infection, your course of treatment will be for longer than this, possibly for 1-3 months. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course of tablets, go back to see your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to keep any routine appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.

• Norfloxacin may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Protect your skin by using a sunscreen, particularly if you are exposed to strong sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Do not use sunbeds.

• If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this antibiotic. In particular, do not take painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, while you are taking norfloxacin.

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• Norfloxacin may make you feel light-headed and impair your ability to concentrate. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you are not sufficiently alert.

Can norfloxacin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with norfloxacin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: there are also a number of less common but more serious side-effects which have been associated with norfloxacin. Speak with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience the following:

• An allergic-type reaction, such as swelling around your face or mouth, a skin rash, or any difficulty breathing.

• Pain or swelling in your joints.

• Problems with your vision or with your eyes.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store norfloxacin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines