Generic name: norfloxacin ophthalmic [ nor-FLOX-a-sin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Chibroxin
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

What is norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Norfloxacin ophthalmic is an antibiotic.

Norfloxacin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Norfloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. Norfloxacin ophthalmic can cause the development of crystals on contact lenses. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Who should not use norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not use norfloxacin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

It is not known whether norfloxacin ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use norfloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether norfloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use norfloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Use norfloxacin ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

If you are using norfloxacin ophthalmic to treat a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup on the ulcer. This means that the medication is working; it is not a harmful development.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store norfloxacin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Norfloxacin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. Norfloxacin ophthalmic can cause the development of crystals on contact lenses. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with norfloxacin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Norfloxacin ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

If you are using norfloxacin ophthalmic to treat a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup on the ulcer. This means that the medication is working; it is not a harmful development.

Commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling or crusting, a bad taste in your mouth, tearing, or sensitivity to light may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Norfloxacin ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops to the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 7 days. For severe infections, instill 1 or 2 drops to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake on the first day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Conjunctivitis:

<1 year: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
1 year to 18 years: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 7 days. For severe infections, instill 1 or 2 drops to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake on the first day.

What other drugs will affect norfloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with norfloxacin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with norfloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has additional information about norfloxacin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.03. Revision Date: 2010-12-15, 5:01:39 PM.