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- $Unique_ID{BRK03256}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{norfloxacin}
- $Subject{Noroxin Merck Sharp Dohme Antibiotic norfloxacin bacterial urinary
- tract infections reproduction bacteria}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- norfloxacin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-