Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Norfloxacin.
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
January 23, 2017
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of norfloxacin. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as norfloxacin may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with norfloxacin, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take norfloxacin or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Blood sugar levels: Norfloxacin may cause a loss of control of blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with Diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Norfloxacin. People without diabetes have also been known to experience high or low blood sugars while taking norfloxacin.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Norfloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norfloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience signs of high blood sugar (fruity breath odour, weight loss, increased thirst, or increased need to urinate) or low blood sugar (cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, or weakness) contact your doctor.
Diarrhea: People taking Norfloxacin may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with the bacteria C. difficile. If you have loose, watery and bloody bowel movements, with or without fever or stomach cramps, after taking norfloxacin, get medical attention as soon as possible. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.
Kidney: Norfloxacin is passed from the body mostly by the kidney. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Norfloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norfloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Neuromuscular disorders: Norfloxacin may cause increased muscle weakness for people with Myasthenia Gravis (an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness). If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Norfloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norfloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Nervous System Although rare, norfloxacin has been reported to cause problems with the nervous system, including nerve damage in the hands and feet, and changes in mental health. These side effects can occur while taking norfloxacin or after completing treatment with norfloxacin. If you experience tingling, numbness, weakness or other sensation changes while taking or after stopping Norfloxacin, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Other changes that should be reported to your doctor immediately, include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, depression or thoughts or suicide or self-harm.
Seizures: Rarely, seizures have been reported with Norfloxacin. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Norfloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norfloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Norfloxacin, stop taking it and get immediate medical attention.
Sunburn: People who take norfloxacin are more likely to suffer from sunburn. Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, and use sunblock with minimum SPF 15. Stop taking the medication if sun sensitivity occurs.
Tendons: Rarely, people taking norfloxacin have experienced tendonitis and/or tendon rupture, especially if they were also taking corticosteroids. This can happen at any time while taking norfloxacin or after finishing the medication. Tendonitis can continue for a lengthy period of time and be disabling. If you experience any joint or tendon pain or swelling, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you have experienced this effect as a result of taking norfloxacin or another similar antibiotic in the past, norfloxacin should be avoided.
Pregnancy: Norfloxacin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Norfloxacin, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Norfloxacin may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Norfloxacin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Norfloxacin have not been established for children less than 16 years of age.
