Norfloxacin

In Aotearoa New Zealand, norfloxacin is available as tablets (400 mg).

• The usual dose of norfloxacin is 1 tablet (400 mg) twice a day for a few weeks. If the antibiotic is working well, your dose may be reduced to 1 tablet once a day. 
• Your doctor will advise you on how long to take norfloxacin for. 
• Always take your norfloxacin exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions. 

• Timing: Norfloxacin is best taken on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before food, or 2 hours after food. Take your norfloxacin dose at the same times each day. If you're taking it twice a day, take your tablets  about 10–12 hours apart, for example between 7–8 am, and between 7–8 pm. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not take with milk.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
• Finish the course: Take the whole course of antibiotics for the number of days you have been told to. Don't stop taking it, even if you feel your infection has cleared up. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back.

• Don't drink milk or take indigestion remedies or medicines containing iron or zinc (such as multivitamin tablets) 2 hours before or after you have taken norfloxacin. These interfere with the way norfloxacin is absorbed and stop it from working fully.
• Norfloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to cover up and wear sunscreen if you spend time outside, especially in the summer months.
• Limit alcohol while you are taking norfloxacin. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects such as dizziness or feeling faint.
• Norfloxacin can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting norfloxacin and before starting any new products.

Like all medicines, norfloxacin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Tendon problems

Norfloxacin can cause tendon problems such as tendinitis or tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon in your ankle or calf is most likely to be affected but other tendons can also be involved. You are at higher risk if you:

• are over 60 years of age
• are taking steroid therapy (such as prednisone)
• have chronic kidney disease or have had a kidney, heart or lung transplant.

Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you get pain and swelling in your joints. This can happen as early as the first few hours after the first dose and as late as 6 months after treatment. Read more about medicines and tendon problems.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Nausea (feeling sick), stomach pains.
• Mild diarrhoea (runny poo): Drink plenty of fluids such as water to avoid dehydration.
• Headache.
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
• Problems sleeping.
• Sore muscles: If you have sore muscles or joints, let your healthcare provider know.
• Feeling dizzy or sleepy: Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid alcohol.
• Confusion, anxiety or low mood: If you’re worried, feeling anxious or feeling low, talk to your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Problems with your heart rate or breathing.
• Swelling of your ankles.
• Seizures.
• Signs of problems with your liver, eg, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in your abdomen.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.
   

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.