Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Norfloxacin?

Norfloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic, which works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It belongs to a family called fluoroquinolones. It is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) or prostate infections caused by different bacteria.
It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and can adapt to fight against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Doctors also prescribe it to treat bacterial infections of the eye.
Norfloxacin is available as film-coated tablets, capsules, oral solutions, ophthalmic solutions, suspensions, and ointments. Norfloxacin does not work for viral infections such as cold or flu.

What are the uses of Norfloxacin?

Norfloxacin is a synthetic fluoroquinolone that has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against most bacteria.

It is commonly prescribed for infections that lead to inflammation of the urinary tract, like:

  • cystitis (bladder)
  • gonococcal cervicitis (cervix)
  • prostatitis (prostate)
  • pyelitis (renal pelvis)
  • urethritis (urethra)
  • pyelonephritis (kidney)
  • spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or SBP

Norfloxacin can help treat gonorrhea. It is also used in cases of traveler’s diarrhea and infectious diarrhea. Owing to its broad-spectrum activity, Norfloxacin is also prescribed for treating bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis.

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    What are the side effects of Norfloxacin?

    Like with any other antibiotic, it is vital to use Norfloxacin discriminately.

    • Common side effects of Norfloxacin include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, and rashes.
    • Serious side effects include permanent tendon damage, peripheral neuropathy, and nervous system problems.
    • Taking Norfloxacin can also worsen a muscle condition called myasthenia gravis.

    Consulting with a physician and discussing the benefits versus risks is very important before taking this medication.

    What is Norfloxacin

    Uses of Norfloxacin

    Side effects of Norfloxacin

    References

    1. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_ofloxacin_floxin/drugs-condition.htm
    2. https://www.rxlist.com/noroxin-drug.htm#clinpharm
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3311572/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Norfloxacin

    Norfloxacin is eliminated via usual metabolic processes and renal and biliary excretion. Normally, Norfloxacin has a half-life of around 3 – 4 hours. Steady-state concentrations are observed after 2 days of dosing.

    Both Norfloxacin and Ofloxacin are structurally similar, and virtually the same in terms of activity. Both are fluoroquinolone antibiotics and have been used for treating UTIs – specifically chronic and uncomplicated UTIs – wherein ofloxacin was found to be comparatively more effective. Ofloxacin has also been used to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and certain skin infections.

    Diabetics taking anti-diabetes medicines orally such as Micronase, Diabeta, or Glucovance may experience low blood sugar after taking Norfloxacin. Hence, they must monitor their blood sugar more frequently. If you are a diabetic and considering this medication, consult a physician to discuss the pros and cons before choosing Norfloxacin.

    Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic while Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Both of them are used to treat UTIs and have no reported interactions. However, that does not mean any interaction between them does not exist. Both of them are functionally similar and have no reported additive actions.

    Norfloxacin can be used for certain infections of the stomach or intestines such as traveler's diarrhea, but no other studies have verified its efficiency in other stomach infections. It is a wide-spectrum antibiotic and may be used depending upon the bacteria being targeted.

    It is recommended that Norfloxacin be taken on an empty stomach, around an hour before any food or waiting for two hours until the next meal. This is because the presence of food or dairy in the body tends to reduce the absorption of the drug. This results in lesser bioavailability, and therefore lesser effectiveness.

    Depending on the type of infection it is used to treat, the regimen of Norfloxacin varies. The physician will advise you to take Norfloxacin for around 3 – 21 days. Even if you feel the infection has cleared up, do not stop taking the drug as incomplete antibiotic regimens can contribute to future complications.

    Norfloxacin can be taken for diarrhea if the diarrhea is bacterial in nature. Studies have shown safe and effective recovery from traveler's diarrhea when treated with norfloxacin.

    Norfloxacin is chiefly eliminated through renal metabolism. Hence, if taken improperly or if there is prior renal impairment, the risk of its renal toxicity is significant. Also, adverse side effects of Norfloxacin include complete renal failure and interstitial nephritis. Thus, one must accurately measure the dosage based on their renal function.

    Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin are both fluoroquinolone family members and broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat UTIs. Ciprofloxacin has been reported to be more convenient, but both of them are similar in their efficacy and tolerability.
    To know more about the uses, benefits, and side effects of Norfloxacin and other medications, or for medical services, consult our team at Yashoda Hospitals.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Norflox-TZ RF Norfloxacin (400mg) + Tinidazole (600mg) Tablet
    2. Norflox 400 Norfloxacin (400mg) + Lactobacillus (120Million spores) Tablet
    3. Norflox 200 Norfloxacin (200mg) + Lactobacillus (60Million spores) Tablet
    4. Norflox Eye/Ear Norfloxacin (0.30%) Drops
    5. Nor-TZ Norfloxacin (400mg) + Tinidazole (600mg) Tablet