Gastrointestinal - Norfloxacine (Brand name: noroxin)

Product Description

Common use

Noroxin is quinolone antibiotic used for treatment of urinary tract such as pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis), genitals (prostatitis, cervicitis, endometritis), gastrointestinal tract (salmonellosis, shigellosis), uncomplicated gonorrhea. Mechanism of its action consists in inhibition of DNA gyrase leading to destabilization of the bacterial DNA and death of the susceptible bacteria. Noroxin is active against Staphylococcus spp. (including Staphylococcus aureus), Neisseria spp., E. coli, Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., Enterobacter spp., Hafnia, Shigella spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vibrio cholerae, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., and some others. Medication is active for 12 hours.

Dosage and directions

To treat infections of urinary tract, take 400 mg of Noroxin two times a day during 7-10 days, to treat non-complicated cystitis treatment continues 3-7 days, and in patients with recurrent chronic infection of urinary tract it is up to 12 weeks. For prostatitis the recommended daily dose is 800 mg, divided into 2 doses, for four weeks. Usual single recommended dose to treat gonorrhea is 800 milligrams for 1 day. The maximal daily dose is 800 milligrams. Take with a full glass of water two hours after a meal or one hour before it. Drink plenty of water while taking Noroxin to avoid formation of needle-shaped crystals in your urine. The elderly and people with kidney problems may need to use a reduced dosage or have their kidney function monitored. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not start or stop treatment without your doctor's permission.

Precautions

In elderly and patients with kidney impairment, kidney function monitoring is required on a regular basis. This medication may cause photosensibilization, avoid direct sun rays during treatment. Limit consummation of alcoholic beverages as they may worsen such side effects as dizziness, drowsiness and others which may affect your ability to operate machinery and driving.

Contraindications

This medication cannot be administered in patients with hypersensitivity to Noroxin, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 18 y.o., individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Caution is required when Noroxin is administered in individuals with cerebral arteriosclerosis, cerebrovascular dysfunctions, epilepsy, epileptic syndrome, Myasthenia gravis, kidney or liver failure.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects include: weakness, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset. Rare but serious side effects are: tremor and sun sensitivity, seizures, mental/mood changes, sore throat/fever, vision changes, hearing loss, change in amount or appearance of urine, jaundice, fainting, changes in heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, numbness or tingling of extremities. Tendon damage and weakening of muscles is rare but possible. Stop exercising and claim prompt medical attention if you experience pain in your joint or tendon. In case of pseudomembranous colitis (persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool) which may develop even a few weeks after the treatment was discontinued, do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications. Tell your doctor immediately about your condition. Prolonged or repeated used of Noroxin may cause oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection with such  symptoms as: white patches in the mouth, a change in vaginal discharge. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience allergic reaction (severe dizziness, rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing).

Drug interaction

Theophylline dose should be decreased while on Noroxin. Noroxin increases the blood concentration of indirect anticoagulants, cyclosporine, decreases effects of nitrofurans. Antacids which contain ions of Al and Mg, medications which contain Fe, Zn2+, sucralfate should be taken at least with four hour interval with Noroxin. Concomitant intake with the medicines decreasing epileptic threshold may lead to epileptic attacks. Dangerous sudden drop in blood pressure or changes in heart rhythm are possible when Noroxin is concomitantly used with the drugs for blood pressure or affecting the heart rhythm. Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and herbal products you are taking.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time of your next dose. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, "cold" sweating, puffy face without major changes in hemodynamic indices.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.