Consumer medicine information

APO-Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Norfloxacin

Active ingredient

Norfloxacin

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using APO-Norfloxacin.

SUMMARY CMI

APO-NORFLOXACIN

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

WARNING: Important safety information is provided in a boxed warning in the full CMI. Read before using this medicine.

1. Why am I using APO-NORFLOXACIN?

APO-NORFLOXACIN contains the active ingredient norfloxacin. APO-NORFLOXACIN is an antibiotic used to treat some bacterial infections, such as:

  • urinary tract infections
  • infections of the stomach or intestines, such as traveller's diarrhoea.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using APO-NORFLOXACIN? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to APO-NORFLOXACIN or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use APO-NORFLOXACIN? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with APO-NORFLOXACIN and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?

  • The usual dose for APO-NORFLOXACIN tablets is one tablet twice a day.
  • Your doctor will determine the duration of time that you take the tablets depending on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use APO-NORFLOXACIN? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using APO-NORFLOXACIN?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using APO-NORFLOXACIN.
  • If you develop severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after APO-NORFLOXACIN has been stopped.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or start to breastfeed while taking this medicine.
  • If you are about to start taking a new medicine, tell you doctor and pharmacist that you are taking APO-NORFLOXACIN.
Things you should not do
  • Do not give APO-NORFLOXACIN to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take APO-NORFLOXACIN to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not stop taking APO-NORFLOXACIN or change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not take APO-NORFLOXACIN after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Driving or using machines
  • APO-NORFLOXACIN tablets may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people.
  • Be careful before you drive or use any machines until you know how APO-NORFLOXACIN affects you.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight, where the temperature stays below 30°C.
  • Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the box or the blister pack they may not keep well.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using APO-NORFLOXACIN? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Less serious side effects may include rash, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal thrush. Serious side effects may include fainting, seizures, depression, diarrhoea, tendon pain, swelling or rupture, pain, burning, numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes, eyesight problems, changes in mood or thoughts, skin reactions, blistering or peeling, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

WARNING:

Serious disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions

Fluoroquinolones, including norfloxacin, have been associated with serious side effects, some of them being long lasting, disabling or potentially irreversible.

These include but are not limited to serious side effects involving musculoskeletal system disorders such as pain and swelling in the joints and inflammation or rupture of tendons, nervous system disorders such as nerve damage (neuropathy) resulting in pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness especially in the feet and legs or hands and arms, psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, confusion, depression or self-harming behaviour.

These serious side effects may occur in patients of any age or without pre-existing factors.



FULL CMI

APO-NORFLOXACIN

Active ingredient: norfloxacin

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using APO-NORFLOXACIN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using APO-NORFLOXACIN.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using APO-NORFLOXACIN?
2. What should I know before I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?
5. What should I know while using APO-NORFLOXACIN?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using APO-NORFLOXACIN?

APO-NORFLOXACIN contains the active norfloxacin. APO-NORFLOXACIN belongs to a group of antibiotics called quinolones. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

APO-NORFLOXACIN is an antibiotic used to treat some bacterial infections, such as:

  • urinary tract infections
  • infections of the stomach or intestines, such as traveller's diarrhoea.

Norfloxacin is also used for patients who get frequent urinary tract infections. It may help prevent these infections from coming back.

Urinary tract infections are caused by the presence of bacteria in the urinary system. The bacteria often come from the intestines where they are necessary for normal function.

In women, the most common infection involves the bladder and is called cystitis. In men, the infection may involve the prostate, which is called prostatitis. In both men and women, the bacteria may travel up to the kidneys and infect them.

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include an urge to urinate frequently and in small amounts, and painful burning when passing urine. Urinary tract infections should be treated to avoid the kidneys being infected.

2. What should I know before I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?

Warnings

Do not use APO-NORFLOXACIN if:

  • you are allergic to norfloxacin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    - Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • other quinolone antibiotics (for example ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin).
  • You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding – see ‘Pregnancy and Breastfeeding’ section below.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
  • take any medicines for any other condition

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

APO-NORFLOXACIN is not recommended if you are pregnant

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Children under 18 years old

APO-NORFLOXACIN should not be used in children under 18 years of age.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with APO-NORFLOXACIN and affect how it works. These include:

  • theophylline, used to treat asthma
  • warfarin and phenindione, used to prevent blood clots
  • probenecid, used to treat gout
  • nitrofurantoin, used to treat urinary tract infections
  • cyclosporin, used to suppress the immune system
  • certain drugs that are metabolised by a specific enzyme such as clozapine, ropinirole, tacrine or tizanidine
  • glibenclamide, used to treat diabetes
  • metronidazole or erythromycin, used to treat infections
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
  • cisapride, used to treat gastric reflux (usually experienced as heartburn)
  • some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats such as sotalol, amiodarone, quinidine or procainamide
  • antipsychotics, used to treat certain mental and emotional conditions
  • tricyclic antidepressants, used to treat depression such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

Some medicines may interfere with the absorption of norfloxacin. These include:

  • iron or zinc supplements (including multivitamins containing them)
  • calcium preparations
  • antacids, used for indigestion
  • sucralfate, used to treat stomach ulcers
  • didanosine, a medicine used to treat HIV infection.

You can still take these medicines while you are taking norfloxacin. However, you must take norfloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any of these medicines to make sure there is no problem with absorption.

Norfloxacin may prolong the effect of coffee and other drinks containing caffeine.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect APO-NORFLOXACIN.

4. How do I use APO-NORFLOXACIN?

How much to take / use

  • The usual dose is one tablet twice a day.
  • Follow the instructions provided when APO-NORFLOXACIN was prescribed, including the number of days it should be taken.

When to take / use APO-NORFLOXACIN

  • Take norfloxacin doses about 12 hours apart.
    Taking norfloxacin at evenly spaced times ensures that there is a reasonably constant amount in the blood and urine. This means that the medicine will fight the infection more effectively.
  • Take norfloxacin on an empty stomach, at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food, milk and/or other dairy products
    This will make sure the tablets will have a better chance of fighting the infection, because food can interfere with the absorption.
  • Do not take norfloxacin at the same time as taking iron or zinc supplements (or multivitamins containing them), antacids, sucralfate or didanosine (ddI).
    Taking norfloxacin at the same time or even within 2 hours of taking these can interfere with the absorption of norfloxacin.

How to take APO-NORFLOXACIN

Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.

How long to take APO-NORFLOXACIN

Continue taking your medicine until you finish the pack or as long as your doctor tells you.

For treatment of urinary tract infections:

The length of treatment may vary from 3 to 10 days.

To help stop frequent urinary tract infections from coming back:

You may need to take norfloxacin for up to 12 weeks.

For infections of the stomach or intestines:

The length of treatment is usually 5 days.

Do not stop taking your tablets because you are feeling better.

If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, some of the bacteria causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or it may return.

If you forget to use APO-NORFLOXACIN

APO-NORFLOXACIN should be used regularly at the same time each day.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use too much APO-NORFLOXACIN

If you think that you have used too much APO-NORFLOXACIN, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using APO-NORFLOXACIN?

Things you should do

  • tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking APO-NORFLOXACIN.
  • If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking APO-NORFLOXACIN tablets.
  • If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.
  • If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. It may interfere with the results of some tests
  • protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm. APO-NORFLOXACIN may cause your skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. You may get severely sunburnt even though you've only been in the sun for a short time. Symptoms of severe sunburn include redness, itching, pain, swelling or blistering.
  • If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 15+ sunscreen. If your skin does appear to be burning, stop taking norfloxacin and tell your doctor.
  • be careful if you consume large amounts of caffeine while you are taking norfloxacin. APO-NORFLOXACIN may increase the chance of you getting side effects from caffeine, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, increased heartbeat and headache. Caffeine is contained in coffee, tea, cola drinks and some tablets.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • become pregnant or start to breastfeed while taking APO-NORFLOXACIN
  • develop an allergic reaction (e.g. skin rash) while taking APO-NORFLOXACIN, even following a single dose. Stop taking it and tell your doctor
  • develop severe diarrhoea. Tell your doctor even if it occurs several weeks after you have stopped taking APO-NORFLOXACIN.
  • feel any discomfort, pain, swelling or inflammation of a tendon.
  • experience symptoms of depression or self-harming behaviour. APO-NORFLOXACIN should be discontinued.
  • develop pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness in any part of the body. APO-NORFLOXACIN should be discontinued immediately.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using APO-NORFLOXACIN.

Things you should not do

  • Do not use APO-NORFLOXACIN to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your APO-NORFLOXACIN to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not stop taking your tablets or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how APO-NORFLOXACIN affects you.

APO-NORFLOXACIN may cause drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to norfloxacin before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.

If you drink alcohol, your dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the box or the blister pack, they may not keep well.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight where the temperature says below 30°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • disturbances to vision
  • rash
  • tiredness, changes in sleep pattern
  • vaginal thrush - sore and itchy vagina or discharge
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun, with symptoms of sunburn (redness, blistering or itching) happening more quickly than usual
  • confusion, depression, hallucinations
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than usual
  • signs of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale
  • numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
  • worsening of the symptoms of myasthenia gravis
  • decreased feeling or sensitivity, especially in the skin
  • changes in your hearing.
  • severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
  • watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
  • skin rash, itching or hives or peeling or blistering of the skin
  • asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
  • swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat that may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • sudden and severe pain or swelling of the muscles, joints or tendons
  • seizures, convulsions or fits
  • passing little or no urine, blood in the urine
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following, even if they occur several weeks after stopping treatment with norfloxacin:
  • severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
  • watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
  • fever, in combination with one or both of the above
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What APO-NORFLOXACIN contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Norfloxacin
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		microcrystalline cellulose
croscarmellose sodium
magnesium stearate
Opadry AMB OY-B-28920.
Potential allergensContains soya beans.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

The tablets do not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

What APO-NORFLOXACIN looks like

APO-NORFLOXACIN 400 mg tablets are oval, scored, white film coated tablet marked “N F” on one side and “>” on the other (Aust R 155546).

Available in bottles of 14 tablets.

Who distributes APO-NORFLOXACIN

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15 – 17 Chapel Street
Cremorne VIC 3121
www.arrotex.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in January 2025.

Published by MIMS March 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Norfloxacin

Active ingredient

Norfloxacin

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Norfloxacin.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

APO-Norfloxacin tablets contain 400 mg of norfloxacin.
Norfloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is a synthetic antibacterial agent for oral administration.

Excipients with known effect.

Contains soya beans.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

APO-Norfloxacin tablets are white, film-coated, convex, oval shaped scored tablet, embossed with "N/F" on one side and ">" on the other.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Treatment of adults with complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections that are caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms.
Treatment of adults with gastrointestinal infections, in particular shigellosis and traveller's diarrhoea.

Note.

Specimens for culture and susceptibility testing should be obtained prior to and during treatment if clinical response warrants.
Consideration should be given to available official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

(Also see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.)
APO-Norfloxacin tablets are intended for oral administration.
Norfloxacin tablets should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal with a glass of water. Patients receiving norfloxacin should be well hydrated.
Multivitamins, other products containing iron or zinc, antacids containing magnesium and aluminium, sucralfate or Videx (didanosine) chewable/ buffered tablets or the paediatric powder for oral solution, should not be taken within two hours of administration of norfloxacin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Urinary tract infection.

Normal renal function.

The recommended dosage of norfloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infection is 400 mg twice daily for 7 to 10 days.
For uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, the recommended dosage is 400 mg twice daily for 3 days. In one study of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, treatment for 7 days resulted in somewhat better eradication rates than treatment for 3 days.
Maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 800 mg per day.

Impaired renal function.

Norfloxacin may be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections in patients with renal insufficiency. In patients with a creatinine clearance rate of 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less, the recommended dosage is one 400 mg tablet once daily for the duration given above. At this dosage, the urinary concentration exceeds the MICs for most urinary pathogens susceptible to norfloxacin, even when the creatinine clearance is less than 10 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, such patients should be observed carefully for adverse effects due to possible drug retention.
When only the serum creatinine level is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function. See Equation 1.

Use in the elderly.

Elderly patients with a creatinine clearance of greater than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 should receive the dosages recommended under Normal renal function.
Elderly patients with a creatinine clearance of 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less should receive 400 mg once daily as recommended under Impaired renal function.

Gastrointestinal infection.

(Shigellosis, traveller's diarrhoea.) The recommended dosage is 400 mg twice daily for 5 days.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of this product or any chemically related quinolone antibacterials.
Norfloxacin should not be used in children (paediatric patients, adolescents under the age of 18 years) or pregnant women.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Fluoroquinolones, including APO-Norfloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially persistent adverse reactions involving different body systems that have occurred together in the same patient. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions. These include, but are not limited to, serious adverse reactions involving the nervous system (see Nervous system) and musculoskeletal system (see Effect on tendons) and psychiatric effects (see Psychiatric adverse reactions).
Reserve fluoroquinolones for proven or suspected infections where alternative agents are ineffective or contraindicated.

Arthropathy.

The oral administration of single doses of norfloxacin 100 mg/kg caused lameness in immature dogs. Histological examination of the weight bearing joints of these dogs revealed permanent lesions of the cartilage. Related drugs (e.g. nalidixic acid and cinoxacin) also produced erosions of the cartilage in weight bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species.

Crystalluria.

Needle shaped crystals were found in the urine of some volunteers who received either placebo, norfloxacin 800 mg or norfloxacin 1,600 mg (at or twice the recommended daily dose, respectively) while participating in a double blind, crossover study comparing single doses of norfloxacin with placebo. While crystalluria is not expected to occur under usual conditions with a dosage regimen of 400 mg twice daily, as a precaution, the daily recommended dosage should not be exceeded and the patient should drink sufficient fluids to ensure a proper state of hydration and adequate urinary output.

Antibiotic-associated colitis.

Antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with many antibiotics including norfloxacin. A toxin produced with Clostridium difficile appears to be the primary cause. The severity of the colitis may range from mild to life threatening. It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea or colitis in association with this antibiotic use (this may occur up to several weeks after cessation of antibiotic therapy). Mild cases usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. However, in moderate to severe cases appropriate therapy with a suitable oral antibacterial agent effective against Cl. difficile should be considered. Fluids, electrolytes and protein replacement should be provided when indicated. Drugs which delay peristalsis, e.g. opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil), may prolong and/or worsen the condition and should not be used.

Dysglycaemia.

As with all fluoroquinolones, disturbances in blood glucose, including both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia have been reported, usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent (e.g. sulfonylurea) or with insulin. Cases of hypoglycaemic coma have been reported. In diabetic patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended.

Nervous system.

The effects of norfloxacin on brain function or on the electrical activity of the brain have not been tested. Convulsions have been reported rarely in patients receiving norfloxacin. As with other organic acids, norfloxacin should be used with caution in individuals with a history of convulsions or known factors that predispose to seizures.
Quinolones, including norfloxacin, may exacerbate the signs of myasthenia gravis and lead to life threatening weakness of the respiratory muscles. Caution should be exercised when using quinolones, including norfloxacin, in patients with myasthenia gravis (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Cases of sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias, or weakness have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones including norfloxacin. Norfloxacin should be discontinued in patients experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in order to prevent the development of an irreversible condition (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Psychiatric adverse reactions.

Fluoroquinolones, including norfloxacin have been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric adverse reactions including: toxic psychosis, psychotic reactions progressing to suicidal ideations/thoughts, hallucinations or paranoia; depression, or self-injurious behaviour such as attempted or completed suicide; anxiety, agitation, or nervousness; confusion, delirium, disorientation, or disturbances in attention; insomnia or nightmares; memory impairment. These reactions may occur following the first dose. Advise patients receiving norfloxacin to inform their healthcare provider immediately if these reactions occur, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate care.

Vision disorders.

If vision becomes impaired or any effects on the eyes are experienced, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity reactions have been observed in patients who are exposed to excessive sunlight while receiving some members of this drug class. Excessive sunlight should be avoided. Therapy should be discontinued if photosensitivity occurs.

Effect on tendons.

Tendon inflammation and rupture that required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability have been reported with fluoroquinolone therapy including norfloxacin. This risk is further increased in elderly patients and those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Tendon rupture can occur during or after completion of therapy; cases occurring up to several months after completion of therapy have been reported. Norfloxacin should be discontinued at the first sign of pain, swelling, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon. Patients are advised to inform their health professional, rest the affected limb(s) and refrain from exercise.
Achilles and other tendon ruptures that require surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability have been reported with norfloxacin and other quinolones. Norfloxacin should be discontinued if the patient experiences pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon, and patients are advised to seek appropriate medical management.

Haemolytic reactions.

Rarely, haemolytic reactions have been reported in patients with latent or actual defects in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity who take quinolone antibacterial agents, including norfloxacin (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Cardiac disorders.

Some quinolones have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram and infrequent cases of arrhythmias. During postmarketing surveillance, extremely rare cases of torsades de pointes, have been reported in patients taking norfloxacin. These reports generally involve patients who had other concurrent medical conditions and the relationship to norfloxacin has not yet been established. Among drugs known to cause prolongation of the QT interval, the risk of arrhythmias may be reduced by avoiding use in the presence of hypokalaemia, significant bradycardia or concurrent treatment with class Ia or class III antiarrhythmic agents. Quinolones should also be used with caution in patients using cisapride, erythromycin, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants or have any personal or family history of QTc prolongation.

Aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Epidemiologic studies report an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection after intake of fluoroquinolones, particularly in the older population.
Therefore, fluoroquinolones should only be used after careful benefit-risk assessment and after consideration of other therapeutic options in patients with positive family history of aneurysm disease, or in patients diagnosed with pre-existing aortic aneurysm and/or dissection, or in presence of other risk factors or conditions predisposing for aortic aneurysm and dissection (e.g. Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, Behcet's disease, hypertension, known atherosclerosis).
In case of sudden abdominal, chest or back pain, patients should be advised to immediately consult a physician in an emergency department.

Information for patients.

Patients should be advised to take norfloxacin 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Patients should also be advised to drink fluids liberally and not to take antacids concomitantly or within 2 hours after dosing.

Use in renal impairment.

Norfloxacin is suitable for the treatment of patients with renal impairment; however, since norfloxacin is primarily excreted by the kidney, urinary levels may be significantly compromised by severe renal dysfunction. Alteration in dosage regimen is necessary for patients with impaired renal function (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Paediatric use.

As with other quinolones, norfloxacin has been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals. The safety of norfloxacin in children has not been adequately explored and therefore norfloxacin is not to be used in children less than 18 years of age (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Arthropathy).

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Diminished urinary excretion of norfloxacin has been reported during the concomitant administration of probenecid and norfloxacin.
The concomitant use of nitrofurantoin is not recommended since nitrofurantoin may antagonise the antibacterial effect of norfloxacin in the urinary tract.
Quinolones, including norfloxacin, have been shown in vitro to inhibit CYP1A2. Concomitant use with drugs metabolised by CYP1A2 (e.g. caffeine, clozapine, ropinirole, tacrine, theophylline, tizanidine) may result in increased substrate drug concentrations when given in usual doses. Patients taking any of these drugs concomitantly with norfloxacin should be carefully monitored.
Elevated plasma levels of theophylline have been reported with concomitant quinolone use. There have been rare reports of theophylline related side effects in patients on concomitant therapy with norfloxacin and theophylline. Therefore, monitoring of theophylline plasma levels should be considered and dosage of theophylline adjusted as required.
Elevated serum levels of cyclosporin have been reported with concomitant use with norfloxacin. Therefore, cyclosporin serum levels should be monitored and appropriate cyclosporin dosage adjustments made when these drugs are used concomitantly.
Quinolones, including norfloxacin, may enhance the effects of the oral anticoagulant warfarin, or its derivatives and phenindione or similar agents. When these products are administered concomitantly, prothrombin time or other suitable coagulation tests should be closely monitored.
The concomitant administration of quinolones, including norfloxacin, with glibenclamide (a sulfonylurea agent) has, on rare occasions, resulted in severe hypoglycaemia. Therefore, monitoring of blood glucose is recommended when these agents are coadministered.
Multivitamins, calcium preparations, products containing iron or zinc, antacids or sucralfate should not be administered concomitantly with, or within two hours, of the administration of norfloxacin because they may interfere with absorption, resulting in lower serum and urine levels of norfloxacin.
Videx (didanosine) chewable/ buffered tablets or the paediatric powder for oral solution should not be administered concomitantly with, or within two hours, of the administration of norfloxacin, because these products may interfere with absorption resulting in lower serum and urine levels of norfloxacin.
Some quinolones, including norfloxacin, have also been shown to interfere with the metabolism of caffeine. This may lead to reduced clearance of caffeine and a prolongation of its plasma half-life that may lead to accumulation of caffeine in plasma when products containing caffeine are consumed while taking norfloxacin.
The concomitant administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a quinolone, including norfloxacin, may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures. Therefore, norfloxacin should be used with caution in individuals receiving NSAIDs concomitantly.
Animal data have shown that quinolones in combination with fenbufen can lead to convulsions. Therefore, concomitant administration of quinolones and fenbufen should be avoided.
Lowered bioavailability of mycophenolic acid was observed in healthy volunteers receiving combined treatment with norfloxacin and metronidazole.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Norfloxacin did not adversely affect the fertility of male and female mice at oral doses up to 500 mg/kg/day.
(Category B3)
Norfloxacin has been shown to produce embryonic loss in cynomolgus monkeys when given in doses of 150 mg/kg/day with peak plasma levels that are two to three times those obtained in humans. There has been no evidence of a teratogenic effect in any of the animal species tested (rat, rabbit, mouse, monkey) at 100 to 800 mg/kg/day. There were no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Since norfloxacin, like other drugs in this class, causes arthropathy in immature animals, it should not be used in pregnant women (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Arthropathy).
 It is not known whether norfloxacin is excreted in human milk.
When a 200 mg dose of norfloxacin was administered to breastfeeding mothers, norfloxacin was not detected in human milk. However, because the dose studied was low, because other drugs in this class are secreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from norfloxacin in breastfed infants, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug at least 24 to 48 hours before restarting breastfeeding, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Norfloxacin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness; therefore, patients should know how they react to norfloxacin before they operate a vehicle or machinery or engage in activities requiring mental alertness and coordination.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

In clinical trials, norfloxacin was generally well tolerated.
The incidence of subjects reporting drug related adverse experiences in clinical trials involving 1,127 subjects was 3.4%. However, the overall incidence was 10.7% and the figures below were calculated without reference to drug relationship. Most adverse reactions occur within the first few days of therapy.
The most common adverse experiences (1 to 3%) were either gastrointestinal or neurological: nausea 2.8%, headache 2.7% and dizziness 1.8%.
Additional reactions (0.3 to 1%) were: fatigue, rash, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, somnolence, depression, insomnia, constipation, flatulence and heartburn.
Less frequent reactions included: dry mouth, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, erythema, euphoria, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, altered taste, vaginal swelling and tendinitis.
Visual disturbances have been reported with drugs in this class.
Abnormal laboratory values observed in these 1,127 subjects in clinical trials were eosinophilia 1.8%, elevation of ALT and AST 1.8%, increased alkaline phosphatase 1.4%, and decreased white blood cell or neutrophil count 1.2%. Those occurring less frequently included increased serum urea, serum creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and decreased haematocrit.

Postmarketing.

The following additional adverse effects have been reported since the drug was marketed.

Hypersensitivity reactions.

These include anaphylaxis, angioedema, dyspnoea, vasculitis, urticaria, arthritis, myalgia, arthralgia, interstitial nephritis. Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome).

Skin.

Photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, pruritus and leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Central nervous system.

Confusion, paraesthesia, polyneuropathy including Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypoesthesia, psychic disturbances including psychotic reactions, convulsions, tremors and myoclonus.

Liver, gastrointestinal.

Pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis (rare), hepatitis, including jaundice and cholestatic jaundice, elevated liver function tests.

Musculoskeletal.

Tendinitis, tendon rupture, exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, elevated creatinine kinase (CK), muscle spasms.

Haematological.

Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, sometimes associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Genitourinary.

Vaginal candidiasis.

Renal function.

Renal failure.

Metabolic.

Dysglycaemia.

Special senses.

Dysgeusia, visual disturbances, hearing loss.

Causal relationship unknown.

A definite causal relationship could not be established with regard to the following adverse effects: conjunctivitis, eye pain/ irritation and asthenia. On very rare occasions, prolonged QTc interval and ventricular arrhythmia (including torsades de pointes), hypertonia, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphasia, haemophthalmia, nystagmus, periorbital erythema, proteinuria and transient hearing loss have been reported.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

The acute oral LD50 values in male and female mice and male and female rats were greater than 4 g/kg.
In the event of acute overdosage, absorption may be decreased by giving active charcoal. The patient should be observed carefully and given symptomatic and supportive treatment. Adequate hydration must be maintained.
Contact the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia) for advice on the management of overdosage.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Microbiology. Norfloxacin has in vitro activity against a broad spectrum of Gram negative and some Gram positive aerobic bacteria. Norfloxacin inhibits bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and is bactericidal. At the molecular level, three specific events are attributed to norfloxacin in Escherichia coli cells: inhibition of the ATP dependent DNA supercoiling reaction catalysed by DNA gyrase; inhibition of the relaxation of supercoiled DNA; promotion of double stranded DNA breakage.
Resistance to norfloxacin due to spontaneous mutation in vitro is a rare occurrence (range 10-9 to 10-12 cells). Resistance of the organism has developed during therapy with norfloxacin in less than 1% of patients treated. Organisms in which development of resistance is greatest are the following: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter sp., Enterococci. For this reason, when there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, culture and susceptibility testing should be repeated.
Norfloxacin is active in vitro against the following organisms.

Bacteria found in urinary tract infections.

Aerobic bacteria. Gram positive bacteria including Streptococcus faecalis (Enterococcus), Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis, Staph. saprophyticus. Gram negative bacteria including Citrobacter diversus, C. freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bacteria found in gastrointestinal infections.

Shigella, E. coli, Salmonella typhi.
In addition, norfloxacin is active against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Norfloxacin is not generally active against obligate anaerobes.
Nalidixic acid resistant organisms are generally susceptible to norfloxacin in vitro; however, these organisms may have higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to norfloxacin than nalidixic acid susceptible strains. There is generally no cross resistance between norfloxacin and other classes of antibacterial agents. Therefore, norfloxacin often demonstrates activity against indicated organisms resistant to the aminoglycosides (including gentamicin), penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides and sulfonamides, including combinations of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between norfloxacin and nitrofurantoin.
Susceptibility tests. Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters give precise estimates of bacterial susceptibility. One such procedure has been recommended for use with discs to test susceptibility to norfloxacin.
Reports from the laboratory giving results of the standard single disc susceptibility test with a norfloxacin 10 microgram disc should be interpreted according to the following criteria. Susceptible organisms produce zone diameters of 13 mm or greater, indicating that the test organism is likely to respond to therapy.
Resistant organisms produce zone diameters of 12 mm or less, indicating that other therapy should be selected.
A bacterial isolate may be considered susceptible if the MIC value for norfloxacin is equal to less than 16 microgram/mL. Organisms are considered resistant if the MIC is equal to or greater than 32 microgram/mL. The standardised quality control procedure requires use of control organisms. The norfloxacin 10 microgram disc should give the zone diameters listed in Table 1 for the quality control strains. See Table 1.
Dilution susceptibility tests should give MICs between the ranges listed in Table 2 for the quality control strains. See Table 2.
Based on urinary concentrations of norfloxacin achieved in humans, breakpoint criteria have been established as listed in Table 3. See Table 3.
Norfloxacin susceptibility test results should not be used to predict susceptibility to other less potent quinolone antibacterial agents such as nalidixic acid.

Animal pharmacology.

Norfloxacin and related drugs have been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Crystalluria has occurred in laboratory animals tested with norfloxacin. In dogs, needle shaped drug crystals were seen in the urine at doses of 50 mg/kg/day. In rats, crystals were reported following doses of 200 mg/kg/day. Embryo lethality and slight maternotoxicity (vomiting and anorexia) were observed in cynomolgus monkeys at doses of 150 mg/kg/day or higher.
Ocular toxicity, seen with some related drugs, was not observed in any norfloxacin treated animals.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

In fasting healthy volunteers, approximately 30 to 40% of an oral dose of norfloxacin is absorbed. Absorption is rapid following single doses of 200 mg and 400 mg. At the respective doses, mean peak serum and plasma concentrations of 0.8 and 1.5 microgram/mL are attained approximately 1 hour after dosing. The presence of food may decrease absorption. The effective half-life of norfloxacin in serum and plasma is 3 to 4 hours. Steady-state concentrations of norfloxacin will be attained within 2 days of dosing.

Distribution.

The serum protein binding of norfloxacin is between 10 and 15%.

Metabolism.

Within 24 hours of drug administration, 26 to 32% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine as norfloxacin with an additional 5 to 8% being recovered in the urine as six metabolites of considerably less antimicrobial potency.

Excretion.

The absorbed norfloxacin is eliminated mainly through renal excretion. Renal excretion occurs by both glomerular filtration and tubular secretion as evidenced by the high rate of renal clearance (approximately 275 mL/min). Within 24 hours of drug administration, 26 to 32% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine as norfloxacin with an additional 5 to 8% being recovered in the urine as six metabolites of considerably less antimicrobial potency.
However, urinary recovery may occasionally be very low. Only a small percentage (less than 1%) of the dose is recovered thereafter.
Two to three hours after a single 400 mg dose, urinary concentrations of 200 microgram/mL or more are attained in the urine. In healthy volunteers, mean urinary concentrations of norfloxacin remain above 30 microgram/mL for approximately 12 hours following a 400 mg dose. The urinary pH may affect the solubility of norfloxacin. Norfloxacin is least soluble at urinary pH of 7.5 with solubility increasing at pHs above and below this value. The disposition of norfloxacin in patients with creatinine clearance rates greater than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 is similar to that in healthy volunteers. In patients with creatinine clearance rates equal to or less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, the renal elimination of norfloxacin decreases so that the effective serum half-life is 8.6 to 11.5 hours. In these patients, alteration of dosage is necessary (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). Drug absorption appears unaffected by decreasing renal function.
In healthy elderly volunteers (65 to 75 years of age with normal renal function for their age), norfloxacin is eliminated more slowly because of their slightly decreased renal function. Drug absorption appears unaffected. The effective half-life of norfloxacin in these elderly subjects is 4 hours.
Faecal recovery accounts for another 30% of the administered dose. This represents the unabsorbed drug along with a small contribution through biliary excretion. After a single 400 mg dose of norfloxacin, mean antimicrobial activities equivalent to norfloxacin 278, 773 and 82 microgram/g of faeces were obtained at 12, 24 and 48 hours, respectively.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Norfloxacin was tested for mutagenic activity in a number of in vivo and in vitro tests. Norfloxacin had no mutagenic effect in the dominant lethal test in mice and did not cause chromosomal aberrations in hamsters or rats at 500 to 1,000 mg/kg/day. Norfloxacin had no mutagenic activity in vitro in the Ames microbial mutagen test and V-79 mammalian cell assay. Although norfloxacin was weakly positive in the Rec-assay for DNA repair, all other mutagenic assays were negative including a more sensitive test (V-79).

Carcinogenicity.

Information is not available at present on the carcinogenic potential of norfloxacin.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

APO-Norfloxacin tablets contain the following excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and Opadry AMB OY-B-28920 (PI 4271).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

APO-Norfloxacin tablets are available in bottle (HDPE) of 14 tablets.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Norfloxacin is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, and slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol and water. Melting point: approximately 221°C.
Norfloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, differs from quinolones by having a fluorine atom at the 6 position and a piperazine moiety at the 7 position. Examples of antibacterial drugs which are quinolones include nalidixic acid and cinoxacin.
Chemical name: 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo- 7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinoline carboxylic acid.

Chemical structure.


Molecular formula: C16H18FN3O3.
Molecular weight: 319.34.

CAS number.

70458-96-7.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes