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Norfloxacin |
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What is Norfloxacin and why is it prescribed? Norfloxacin is an antibacterial medication used to treat infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis, prostatitis, and certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea. Norfloxacin is not given for the treatment of syphilis. When used in high doses for a short period of time to treat gonorrhea, it may actually mask or delay the symptoms of syphilis. Your doctor may perform certain tests for syphilis at the time of diagnosing gonorrhea, and after treatment with Norfloxacin. How should you take Norfloxacin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Norfloxacin. Norfloxacin should be taken, with a glass of water, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or drinking milk. Do not take more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking Norfloxacin. Take all the Norfloxacin your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, you may have a relapse. If you miss a dose be sure to take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of Norfloxacin in your body. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Norfloxacin at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed. Store out of reach of children. Are there any Norfloxacin side effects? Norfloxacin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Norfloxacin side effects may include abdominal cramping, dizziness, headache, nausea, and weakness. Other Norfloxacin side effects may include abdominal pain or swelling, allergies, anal itching, anal/rectal pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, bitter taste, blood abnormalities, blurred vision, bursitis, chest pain, chills, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, difficult breathing, double vision, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, fever, fluid retention and swelling, gas, heart attack, heartburn, heart palpitations, hives, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal inflammation, itching, joint pain, kidney failure (symptoms may include reduced amount of urine, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and coma), lack of coordination, loose stools, loss of appetite, menstrual disorders, mouth ulcer, muscle pain, peeling skin, rash, reddened skin, ringing in the ears, severe skin reaction to light, stomach pain, sweating, swelling of feet or hands, temporary hearing loss, tendon inflammation or tearing, tingling in fingers, vision problems, vomiting, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Norfloxacin? If Norfloxacin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Norfloxacin with Antacids (such as Maalox and Tums), Caffeine (including coffee, tea, and some soft drinks), Calcium supplements, Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Didanosine (Videx), Multivitamins and other products containing iron or zinc, Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid), Oral blood thinners (such as warfarin/Coumadin), Probenecid (Benemid), Sucralfate (Carafate), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Norfloxacin? Norfloxacin is not recommended for: Children (under the age of 18), Nursing mothers, or Pregnant women. People with disorders such as epilepsy, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, and other conditions that might lead to seizures should use Norfloxacin cautiously. There have been reports of convulsions in some people taking Norfloxacin. Use Norfloxacin with caution if you suffer from the disease Myasthenia gravis. Norfloxacin may cause life-threatening respiratory problems under these circumstances. If you develop diarrhea, tell your doctor. It could be a symptom of a potentially serious intestinal inflammation. Some people taking drugs chemically similar to Norfloxacin have experienced severe, sometimes fatal reactions, occasionally after only one dose. These reactions may include: Confusion, convulsions, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, heart collapse, hives, increased pressure in the head, itching, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, psychosis, rash, restlessness, shock, swelling in the face or throat, tingling, tremors. If you experience any of these reactions you should immediately stop taking Norfloxacin and seek medical help. There is a small chance that Norfloxacin may weaken the muscle tendons in your shoulder, hand, or heel, causing them to tear. Should this happen, surgery or at least a long period of disability would be in store. If you feel any pain, inflammation, or tearing, stop taking Norfloxacin immediately and call your doctor. Rest and avoid exercise until the doctor is certain the tendons are intact. Some people find needle-shaped crystals in their urine after taking Norfloxacin. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Norfloxacin. This will increase urine output and reduce crystallization. Norfloxacin may cause dizziness or light-headedness and might impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Use caution when undertaking any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure of your ability. You should avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight while taking Norfloxacin. Stop taking Norfloxacin and contact your doctor immediately if you have a severe reaction to sunlight, such as a skin rash. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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