Norfloxacin
About
Norfloxacin belongs to the group of quinolones antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is indicated in the treatment of urinary tract infections, prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted disease). Additionally, Norfloxacin is used to treat infections of the stomach and intestine like traveller’s diarrhoea.
Norfloxacin contains Norfloxacin which inhibits the synthesis of an enzyme called DNA gyrase. Thereby kills the bacteria and treats bacterial infections. Norfloxacin has a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria.
Take Norfloxacin as prescribed. In some cases, Norfloxacin may cause common side-effects such as abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side-effects persist or worsen.
Inform your doctor if you experience pain in tendons, swelling, or inflammation as Norfloxacin is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture and tendonitis; this risk is higher in patients older than 60years, in people taking steroids, or who have had kidney, heart or lung transplant. Norfloxacin may cause dizziness and light-headedness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Norfloxacin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Uses of Norfloxacin
Medicinal Benefits
Norfloxacin belongs to the group of medicines called quinolones antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the prostate, urinary tract and gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted disease). Additionally, Norfloxacin is also used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea. Norfloxacin is bactericidal in nature. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA gyrase; this prevents the bacteria from repairing and multiplying. Thereby, kills the bacteria and treats infections. Norfloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Norfloxacin
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abdominal cramps
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Norfloxacin if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you had swelling or tearing of tendons while taking quinolone antibiotics. Norfloxacin is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture and tendonitis in all age groups; this risk is higher in patients older than 60 years, people taking corticosteroids, who have had kidney, heart or lung transplants. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience tendon pain, swelling or inflammation while taking Norfloxacin. Do not take Norfloxacin if you have myasthenia gravis, as it may cause increased muscle weakness. Talk to your doctor if you have epilepsy, low levels of potassium, nervous or muscle problems, head injury or brain tumour, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Norfloxacin as it may cause increased dizziness. Norfloxacin may cause dizziness and vision problems, so be cautious while driving.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Norfloxacin may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen), anti-coagulant/blood thinner (warfarin), anti-gout (probenecid), antibiotic (azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin), and calcium supplements (calcium/vitamin D).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid dairy products such as milk and yoghurt while taking Norfloxacin as they might decrease the effectiveness of Norfloxacin. Avoid consuming caffeine products along with Norfloxacin as it might increase the effects of caffeine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), tendonitis (inflammation in tendons), CNS disorders, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), crystalluria (cloudy urine), diabetes, kidney, liver or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Norfloxacin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionNorfloxacin belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Norfloxacin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Norfloxacin passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionNorfloxacin may cause dizziness and light-headedness. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeNorfloxacin is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
Norfloxacin may cause changes in liver function tests and prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Norfloxacin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infection.
Traveller’s diarrhoea: It is a digestive tract disorder that commonly occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food and water that the body is not familiar with. Symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools.
FAQs
Norfloxacin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA gyrase; this prevents the bacteria from repairing and multiplying. Thereby, helps in treating the infections.
Norfloxacin may cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) and can make you sunburn easily. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Always wear protective clothing and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going out.
It is recommended to complete the course of Norfloxacin even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Norfloxacin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Avoid consuming dairy products such as milk and yoghurt along with Norfloxacin as they may decrease the effectiveness of Norfloxacin.
Do not take Norfloxacin on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Maintain a minimum gap of two hours between Norfloxacin and antacid, anti-ulcer (sucralfate), anti-HIV (didanosine), vitamin and mineral medicines. However, consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Norfloxacin.
Consult your doctor before taking Norfloxacin if you have diabetes, as Norfloxacin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). Regularly monitor blood sugar levels while taking Norfloxacin to avoid hypoglycaemic events.
Norfloxacin may cause changes in liver function tests and prothrombin time (time taken for blood clotting). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Norfloxacin.
