Drug Interaction Report

Norfloxacin and calcium gluconate should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of norfloxacin into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness. If possible, it may be best to avoid taking calcium gluconate while you are being treated with norfloxacin. Otherwise, norfloxacin should be taken 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a calcium gluconate dose, norfloxacin should be taken at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after Suprep Bowel Prep (magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates), or norfloxacin and calcium gluconate should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether your medications contain something that could potentially interact or if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Taking norfloxacin with food or products that contain minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc can interfere with its absorption and reduce its levels in the blood and urinary tract. This may make the medication less effective in treating your infection. You should take norfloxacin on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating a meal or consuming milk or other dairy products. Do not use mineral supplements, multivitamins, antacids, or other products that may contain calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc within the two-hour period before or after taking norfloxacin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Calcium absorption may be increased by taking it with food. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption. Calcium may be taken with food to increase absorption. Consider spacing calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: The oral bioavailability of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics may be reduced by concurrent administration of preparations containing polyvalent cations such as aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Therapeutic failure may result. The proposed mechanism is chelation of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics by di- and trivalent cations, forming an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Reduced gastrointestinal absorption of the cations should also be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant administration of oral quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics with preparations containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and/or zinc salts should generally be avoided. Otherwise, the times of administration should be staggered by as much as possible to minimize the potential for interaction. Quinolones should typically be dosed either 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after polyvalent cation preparations, depending on the quinolone and formulation. Likewise, tetracyclines and polyvalent cation preparations should typically be administered 2 to 4 hours apart. The prescribing information for the antibiotic should be consulted for more specific dosing recommendations.

Using caffeine together with norfloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine. Contact your doctor if you experience headache, tremor, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and increased blood pressure or heart rate. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.