Nolicin

Leaflet attached to the packaging: patient information

Nolicin, 400 mg, film-coated tablets

Norfloxacin

Read the leaflet carefully before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
• In case of any doubts, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If the patient experiences any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of contents of the leaflet

• 1. What is Nolicin and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Nolicin
• 3. How to take Nolicin
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Nolicin
• 6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What is Nolicin and what is it used for

Norfloxacin, the active substance of Nolicin, is a chemotherapeutic agent from the quinolone group with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Nolicin acts on many species of aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Indications for use

Nolicin is used to treat the following infections caused by microorganisms susceptible to norfloxacin:

• Uncomplicated acute urinary tract infections. In uncomplicated acute urinary tract infections, Nolicin should only be used when the use of other commonly recommended antibacterial agents for the treatment of these infections is considered inappropriate.
• Complicated urinary tract infections (except for complicated pyelonephritis)
• Bacterial prostatitis.

It is recommended to check, if possible, the susceptibility of the microorganism causing the infection to norfloxacin. However, norfloxacin therapy can be started before the results of the susceptibility test are available.

2. Important information before taking Nolicin

When not to take Nolicin

• in pregnant or breastfeeding women,
• in children and adolescents during growth and development,

Warnings and precautions

Before starting treatment with Nolicin, the patient should discuss it with their doctor.
If the patient has a history of or currently has any of the following conditions, they should inform their doctor before starting treatment:

• do not take antibacterial agents containing fluoroquinolones or quinolones, including Nolicin, if the patient has experienced any severe side effects while taking a quinolone or fluoroquinolone in the past. In such a case, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.
• seizures or a tendency to seizures, epilepsy, or other brain diseases, such as reduced blood flow to the brain, stroke, as the medicine may cause brain damage;
• psychiatric disorders; the medicine may lead to worsening and intensification of symptoms in patients with known or suspected psychiatric disorders, hallucinations, and/or disorientation;
• myasthenia (a disease that causes muscle weakness); norfloxacin may exacerbate the symptoms of this disease, including life-threatening respiratory disorders;
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (a hereditary disease of red blood cells, related to the abnormal structure of this enzyme); if the patient or someone in their family has had this disease, they should consult a doctor, as treatment may lead to massive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic reaction) causing anemia;
• renal impairment; the doctor will recommend a suitable dose reduction. During treatment with Nolicin, it is recommended to drink an adequate amount of fluids;
• heart rhythm disorders associated with risk factors for QT interval prolongation, such as:
• congenital or familial QT interval prolongation (visible on an ECG - a test of heart electrical activity);
• electrolyte imbalance in the blood (especially low potassium and magnesium levels in the blood);
• very slow heart rate (bradycardia);
• heart failure;
• previous myocardial infarction;
• the patient is a woman or an elderly person;
• taking other medicines that may affect the ECG (see "Nolicin and other medicines");
• the patient has been diagnosed with heart valve regurgitation;
• if there have been cases of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection in the patient's family, or other risk factors or conditions predisposing to them (e.g., Marfan syndrome or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome [an autoimmune inflammatory disease] or vascular diseases such as Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, Behçet's disease, hypertension, or confirmed atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis [joint disease] or endocarditis [heart infection]).

If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms during treatment, they shouldimmediately consult
their doctor(see section 4):

• Allergic reactions:
• itching and hives
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing (angioedema)
• severe skin reactions: blistering rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), exfoliative dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) characterized by a rash with blisters all over the body, ulcers in the mouth, eyes, genitals, and skin, red spots on the torso, often with blisters in the center, large blisters bursting, skin peeling, weakness, fever, and joint pain
• potentially life-threatening anaphylactic shock characterized by a drop in blood pressure, pallor, rapid breathing, cold sweats, weakness, and fainting. If such reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued immediatelyand the patient should contact a doctor or emergency doctor who will take appropriate emergency measures.
• Fever, rash, itching, or small red spots on the skin, which may be symptoms of an allergic reaction to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. The doctor will decide whether to discontinue treatment.
• In case of worsening myasthenia symptoms, including respiratory disorders (which can be life-threatening), the patient should immediately seek medical help.
• Convulsive seizures; Nolicin treatment should be discontinued.
• Weakness, shortness of breath, and pallor, especially in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, may be symptoms of massive red blood cell breakdown (hemolytic reaction) causing anemia.
• Persistent and severe diarrhea, which may be a symptom of pseudomembranous colitis. This complication, sometimes resulting from the use of antibiotics, can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. Mild cases usually resolve after discontinuation of the medicine. If necessary, the doctor will decide on appropriate treatment. Anti-diarrheal medicines should not be taken, as they can prevent the elimination of toxins.
• The patient may rarely experience symptoms of nerve damage (neuropathy), such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, especially in the hands and feet. In such a case, the patient should discontinue Nolicin and immediately inform their doctor to prevent the development of potentially irreversible disease.
• Anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, itching, or abdominal tenderness, which may be symptoms of liver inflammation with bile flow obstruction (cholestatic hepatitis). If symptoms of liver disease occur, the patient should discontinue treatment and consult a doctor.
• Worsening vision or other vision disturbances. If they occur, the patient should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.
• Rarely, joint and tendon pain, as well as tendon inflammation or rupture, may occur. The risk is increased in elderly patients (over 60 years), after organ transplantation, in patients with kidney problems, or those taking corticosteroids. Tendon inflammation and rupture can occur within the first 48 hours of treatment and even several months after discontinuation of Nolicin. After the first symptoms of pain or tendon inflammation appear (e.g., in the ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or knee), the patient should discontinue Nolicin, consult a doctor, and rest the affected area. The patient should avoid excessive physical exertion, as it may increase the risk of tendon rupture.
• Crystals in the urine, which cause pain and discomfort during urination (crystaluria).
• In case of sudden severe abdominal, back, or chest pain, which may be a symptom of an aneurysm and aortic dissection, the patient should immediately go to the emergency department. The risk of these changes may be higher in patients taking systemic corticosteroids.
• In case of sudden shortness of breath, especially after lying down, or swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen, or palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat), the patient should immediately consult a doctor.

Quinolone antibiotics may cause an increase in blood sugar levelsabove normal
(hyperglycemia) or a decrease in blood sugar levels below normal, which can lead to loss of consciousness
(hypoglycemic coma) in severe cases(see section 4). This is important for diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, it is recommended to carefully monitor blood sugar levels.
Due to the possibility of allergic reactions to sunlight, it is recommended to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation during treatment.
Due to the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture, it is recommended to avoid excessive physical exertion during treatment with Nolicin and immediately after its completion.
As there is a risk of crystal formation in the urine, the patient should ensure adequate hydration. During treatment with Nolicin, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. The patient should ask their doctor how much fluid they should take per day. In case of prolonged treatment, it is recommended to check for crystals in the urine.
Long-term, disabling, and potentially irreversible severe side effects
Fluoroquinolone and quinolone antibacterial agents, including Nolicin, have been associated with very rare but severe side effects. Some of them were long-term (lasting for months or years), disabling, or potentially irreversible. These include: tendon pain, muscle and joint pain in the upper and lower limbs, walking difficulties, abnormal sensations, such as tingling, burning, itching, numbness, or pain (paresthesia), sensory disturbances, including vision, taste, and smell and hearing disorders, depression, memory and concentration disorders, and severe sleep disorders.
If the patient experiences any of these side effects after taking Nolicin, they should immediately consult their doctor before continuing treatment. The patient and doctor will decide whether to continue treatment, also considering antibiotics from another group.

Children and adolescents

Nolicin should not be used in children and adolescents during growth and development.

Nolicin and other medicines

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take.
Norfloxacin is a known inhibitor of the CYP1A2 enzyme. Caution should be exercised when co-administering norfloxacin with other substances that are metabolized by the same enzymatic pathway (theophylline, caffeine, and others). Norfloxacin, by inhibiting the metabolic conversion of these substances, may lead to an increase in their blood levels, resulting in specific side effects of these substances.
Multivitamin preparations, mineral supplements (e.g., iron, zinc, aluminum, or magnesium), antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, or didanosine should not be taken at the same time or within 2 hours of taking norfloxacin, as they may affect norfloxacin absorption, reducing its blood and urine levels. Therefore, it is recommended to take Nolicin 2 hours after taking these medicines.
Liquid dairy products (milk, yogurt) reduce the absorption of Nolicin. The patient should take Nolicin 1 hour before or 2 hours after a dairy meal.
When co-administering Nolicin and cyclosporine, the side effects of cyclosporine may be exacerbated due to increased blood levels. The doctor will monitor cyclosporine blood levels and, if necessary, recommend a dose reduction.
Concomitant administration of Nolicin and oral anticoagulants (warfarin or its derivatives) may enhance the effect of anticoagulants.
Didanosine, a medicine used in HIV infections, should not be administered at the same time as norfloxacin or within 2 hours before or after norfloxacin administration, as it affects its absorption and leads to a decrease in norfloxacin levels in serum and urine.
It has been shown that caffeine metabolism is inhibited by quinolones, including norfloxacin.
During norfloxacin treatment, it is recommended to avoid consuming caffeine-containing medicines (e.g., certain painkillers).
Concomitant administration of Nolicin and corticosteroids increases the risk of tendon inflammation or rupture.
During treatment with Nolicin, the effect of some antidiabetic medicines (sulfonylurea derivatives, such as glibenclamide) may be enhanced.
Nolicin and nitrofurantoin should not be taken at the same time, as the effect of both medicines may be reduced.
Animal studies have shown that quinolones in combination with fenbufen can cause seizures. Therefore, concomitant administration of Nolicin and fenbufen should be avoided.
Caution should be exercised when co-administering Nolicin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as seizures may occur.
If the patient is taking other medicines that may affect heart rhythm, such as antiarrhythmic medicines (e.g., quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide), tricyclic antidepressants, certain antibacterial agents (belonging to the macrolide group), or certain antipsychotic medicines, they should inform their doctor (see warnings regarding heart rhythm disorders above).

Taking Nolicin with food, drink, and alcohol

Tablets should be swallowed whole, washed down with a glass of water, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or after taking dairy products.
Within 2 hours of taking Nolicin, the patient should not take multivitamin preparations, mineral supplements (e.g., iron, zinc, aluminum, or magnesium), antacids containing magnesium and aluminum, sucralfate, or didanosine.
The patient should not drink alcoholic beverages during treatment with Nolicin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Nolicin should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

Nolicin has a moderate effect on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery. If the patient takes the medicine and drinks alcoholic beverages at the same time, the side effects are exacerbated.

Nolicin contains the azo dye 12000 FDC Yellow No. 6 (E 110) and sodium

The azo dye 12000 FDC Yellow No. 6 (E 110) may cause allergic reactions.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per dose, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

3. How to take Nolicin

This medicine should always be taken according to the doctor's instructions. In case of doubts, the patient should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage and administration

The doctor will determine the dose of Nolicin based on the severity and type of infection. Tablets should be swallowed whole, washed down with a glass of water, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or after taking dairy products.
Indications
Dosage
Duration of treatment
Uncomplicated acute urinary tract infection
400 mg twice a day
3 days
Complicated urinary tract infections (except complicated pyelonephritis)
400 mg twice a day
7 to 10 days
Bacterial prostatitis
400 mg twice a day
up to 12 weeks
In patients with renal impairment, the doctor will adjust the dose of Nolicin accordingly.
Use in children and adolescents
Nolicin should not be used in children and adolescents during growth and development.
Dosage in elderly patients
In elderly patients with normal renal function, there is no need to adjust the dose.

Taking a higher dose of Nolicin than recommended

In case of taking a higher dose of Nolicin than recommended, the patient should contact a doctor or pharmacist.
Taking too high doses of the medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, dizziness, fatigue, disorientation, and seizures.

Missing a dose of Nolicin

In case of missing a dose of Nolicin, the patient should take it as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose.
The patient should not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Stopping treatment with Nolicin

Nolicin should be taken for the duration recommended by the doctor, even if the symptoms of the disease disappear earlier. If treatment is stopped too early, the disease may recur.
In case of any further doubts about taking this medicine, the patient should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Nolicin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

During treatment with Nolicin, severe side effects may occur. If they occur, the patient should immediately consult a doctor. The patient should also read the information in "Warnings and precautions" in section 2 and below.

Administration of quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics has very rarely caused long-term (lasting for months or years) or permanent side effects, such as tendon inflammation, tendon rupture, joint pain, limb pain, walking difficulties, abnormal sensations (e.g., tingling, burning, itching, numbness, or pain), fatigue, psychiatric symptoms (including sleep disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts), memory and concentration disorders, and hearing, vision, taste, and smell disorders.

Common side effects (occurring in 1 to 10 out of 100 patients):

• cholestatic hepatitis, hepatitis (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• rash.

Uncommon side effects (occurring in 1 to 10 out of 1,000 patients):

• changes in the number of some blood cells (eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). If the patient experiences frequent infections, mouth ulcers, bruising, or bleeding, they should consult a doctor.
• decreased blood clotting ability (prolonged prothrombin time). If the patient experiences prolonged bleeding, they should consult a doctor.
• headache, dizziness,
• abdominal pain and cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea,
• crystals in the urine, which cause pain and discomfort during urination (crystaluria) (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• increased liver enzyme activity, increased urea and creatinine levels in the blood, decreased hematocrit value (percentage of red blood cells in the blood).

Rare side effects (occurring in 1 to 10 out of 10,000 patients):

• allergic reactions (hives, rash, itching),
• severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis) (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, euphoria, disorientation, hallucinations, confusion, psychiatric disorders, and psychotic reactions,
• vision disturbances, increased tearing (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
• subcutaneous bleeding with vasculitis,
• vomiting, loss of appetite,
• severe and persistent diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• pancreatitis,
• severe skin reactions: exfoliative dermatitis, blistering rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), exfoliative dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• sensitivity to sunlight (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• itching and hives,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing (angioedema) (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• tendon inflammation, synovitis, muscle and/or joint pain, arthritis,
• kidney inflammation,
• vaginal thrush,
• fatigue.

Very rare side effects (occurring in less than 1 out of 10,000 patients):

• tingling or numbness of the hands and feet (paresthesia),
• nerve diseases (polyneuropathy), including Guillain-Barré syndrome (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• seizures (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• insomnia,
• tendon rupture (e.g., Achilles tendon rupture), usually in combination with other harmful factors (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• hemolytic anemia,
• worsening of myasthenia symptoms (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2).

Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data):

• very rapid heartbeat (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• life-threatening irregular heartbeat (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• QT interval prolongation visible on an ECG (see "Warnings and precautions" in section 2),
• jaundice,
• loss of consciousness due to significantly decreased blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic coma). See section 2.

Patient reports have shown cases of aneurysm and aortic dissection in patients taking fluoroquinolones, which can be fatal, as well as cases of heart valve regurgitation. See also section 2.

Reporting side effects

If the patient experiences any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should inform their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring, Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw
Phone: +48 22 49 21 301
Fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
Reporting side effects will help gather more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Nolicin

The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
There are no special precautions for storage.
The patient should not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicines. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Nolicin contains

• The active substance of Nolicin is norfloxacin. Each film-coated tablet contains 400 mg of norfloxacin.
• Other ingredients are:
• tablet core: sodium starch glycolate type A, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, purified water,
• tablet coating: hypromellose, talc, titanium dioxide (E 171), azo dye 12000 FDC Yellow No. 6 (E 110), propylene glycol. See section 2 "Nolicin contains the azo dye 12000 FDC Yellow No. 6 (E 110) and sodium".

What Nolicin looks like and contents of the pack

The film-coated tablets are orange, round, slightly convex, with a dividing line on one side. The dividing line on the tablet is only to facilitate breaking the tablet and not to divide it into equal doses.
The pack contains 10 or 20 film-coated tablets in blisters, in a cardboard box.

Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto,
Šmarješka cesta 6,
8501 Novo mesto,
Slovenia
To obtain more detailed information about this medicine, the patient should contact the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
KRKA-POLSKA Sp. z o.o.
ul. Równoległa 5
02-235 Warsaw
Poland
Date of last revision of the leaflet:09.04.2025