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$Title{norfloxacin}
$Subject{Noroxin Merck Sharp Dohme Antibiotic norfloxacin bacterial urinary
tract infections reproduction bacteria}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


norfloxacin
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Noroxin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     norfloxacin

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (400 mg)

STORAGE

     Norfloxacin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Norfloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial urinary
tract infections.  It works by interfering with the reproduction of the
bacteria.  Norfloxacin kills susceptible bacteria but is not effective against
viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     In order to obtain the maximum benefit from norfloxacin, it is best to
take this drug on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal)
with a full glass of water.  Antacids can decrease the absorption of this
medication.  Therefore, antacids should not be taken within two hours (before
or after) of a dose of norfloxacin, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
     Norfloxacin works best when the level of medicine in your urine is kept
constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals
day and night.  For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the doses
should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take it as soon as you remember.  However, if you do not remember to take the
missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take it; space the
following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then
continue with your regular dosing schedule.
     Take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor
(usually five to 14 days), even if the symptoms disappear before the end of
that period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, your infection could
recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue,
gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, sleeping problems, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
depression, difficult or painful urination, rash, visual disturbances, or
yellowing of the skin or eyes.  Also, if the symptoms of your infection seem
to be getting worse rather than improving, contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Norfloxacin can interact with several other types of drugs:
     1. Probenecid can block the excretion of norfloxacin into the urinary
tract, decreasing its effectiveness in treating infections located there.
     2. Antacids can decrease the absorption of norfloxacin from the
gastrointestinal tract.
     3. Nitrofurantoin may antagonize (act against) the effectiveness of
norfloxacin.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to norfloxacin or to the related antibiotics
cinoxacin and nalidixic acid.
     * Before starting norfloxacin, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had liver disease or seizures.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.  Be especially careful when going up and down stairs.
     * In order to prevent the formation of crystals in the kidneys, try to
drink plenty of fluids (at least eight glasses of water or fruit juice each
day) while you are taking this medication (unless your doctor directs you to
do otherwise).
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.  A
subsequent infection, or one that someone else has, may require a different
medicine.  Do not give your medicine to other people or use it to treat other
infections, unless your doctor directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in pregnant
women have not been conducted.  However, lameness has occurred in the immature
offspring of animals that received large doses of norfloxacin during
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not yet known if norfloxacin passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.