Generic Noroxin

Noroxin is an antibacterial drug with the generic name norfloxacin manufactured by Merck & Co. It comes in 400mg tablets and is used to treat bacterial infection such as various urinary tract infections such as cystitis and prostatitis, stomach and intestinal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Noroxin does not work on viral infections and should only be used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Noroxin should be taken with a full glass of water (about 8 ounces), an hour before or 2 hours after meals and consumption of milk and dairy products. The dosage will vary upon your condition and the doctor’s prescription, but total intake of Noroxin should not exceed 800mg per day. Products containing magnesium, calcium or aluminum should not be consumed within 2 hours of taking Noroxin. This includes multivitamins, antacids, iron and zinc supplements, as well as calcium supplements and calcium-enriched products. These products prevent the full absorption of Noroxin.

Take Noroxin at regular intervals, as antibiotics such as norfloxacin work best when it is maintained at constant amounts within the body. Even as symptoms begin to disappear, continue to consume the entire prescription of Noroxin because the infection may not be fully suppressed if medication is stopped too early. If you miss a dose then take it as soon as possible but do not take two doses at the same time to “catch up”. If it is almost time for the next dose of Noroxin then skip the missed dose.

Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeinated products such as coffee, tea, cola, chocolates and energy drinks as Noroxin may prolong the effects of caffeine in the body. Noroxin may also affect your ability to drive or operate complex machinery due to dizziness you may experience when taking the drug. Be very careful when engaging in activities that require your full attention and coordination.

Excessive exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV light such as fluorescent lamps and tanning beds should also be avoided while taking Noroxin. If you experience any redness or rashes on the skin, please consult your doctor.

Noroxin may also cause seizures and convulsion in patients suffering from epilepsy or cerebral arteriosclerosis.

It is also not advised for Noroxin to be administered to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Noroxin may affect the fetus and the nursing baby and should not be taken by unless the benefits for the mother justify the risk the child faces.

Diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, or headaches are common side effects of the drug. If these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Crystals may be observed in your urine while taking Noroxin. To prevent this, drink plenty of water while taking the medication.

Noroxin can rarely causes tendon rupture, particularly in the Achilles heel where injury may need surgery to repair. However, injuries have been found in the hand, biceps, shoulder and thumb. This risk is found in all age groups but is increased in patients that are 60 years old and older, are taking corticosteroids or are previous recipients of heart, lung or kidney transplants. This may occur even after the treatment period is over, up to several months after. It is advised that the patient discontinue the use of Noroxin if you experience any pain, inflammation or injury of any tendon.

Also, you may also feel intestinal discomfort from pseudomembranous colitis caused by bacteria resistant to Noroxin. This may develop even months after treatment. Do not take over-the-counter diarrhea medication or narcotic drugs to ease the symptoms as they may further worsen the condition. Consult your doctor if any of the following symptoms develop: recurring diarrhea, blood or mucus presence in your stool, stomach and abdominal pain.