Norfloxacin
About Norfloxacin
Norfloxacin is a used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections and cystitis caused by susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is also prescribed to treat sexually transmitted disease (eg, uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhoea) caused by N. gonorrhoeae.
This medicine is also used to treat prostatitis due to E. coli; ophthalmic solution for conjunctivitis. Norfloxacin is not recommended in children <18 years of age. CNS stimulation may occur which may lead to tremor, restlessness, confusion, and very rarely to hallucinations or convulsive seizures.
However, remember that this drug will not be effective for infections that aren’t caused by bacteria (viral infections such as common cold and the flu). Using an antibiotic repetitively and for infections that aren’t bacterial will lead the medicine to lose its potency over a period of time.
The treatment plan and dosage will depend upon the severity of the condition. It is advised to take this drug minimum two hours prior to consuming other minerals/vitamins or such products containing aluminium/magnesium such as antacids.
For best results, take this medicine at regular intervals every day. Try to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea, for that matter, as caffeine can interfere with the medicine’s potency in all probability. Don’t consume any dairy product either two hours prior to or an hour after taking this medication.
Risk factors for this medicine include kidney disorders, heart afflictions and epileptic seizures. It isn’t recommended for children below the age of 12 years. Overdosing on this medicine can result in irregular (slow) heartbeats.
Few side effects include an allergic response in the form of rashes, irritation of the skin, itching, etc. (though very rare), chest pain, dizziness, confusion, seizures, liver damage, joint or muscle pain, a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus), lightheadedness, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, headaches and troubled sleeping.
Don’t take narcotic pain medicines if you experience any of these side effects since these can cause you more harm than good. Yeast infection and oral thrush are other concerns that might show up if you use this medicine indiscriminately. Know from your doctor the names of all those drugs that could diminish the efficacy of this medication.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Norfloxacin
Bacterial Infections
Cystitis
Prostatitis
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Norfloxacin ?
Avoid taking Norfloxacin if you have a known allergy to this medicine or any other medicines belonging to the class fluoroquinolones.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Norfloxacin ?
Nausea Or Vomiting
Headache
Weakness
Flatulence
Heartburn
Metallic Taste
Loose Stools
Confusion
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Norfloxacin
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 9 to 12 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
Use of this medicine is not recommended in women who breastfeed due to the adverse effect on the development of the infant's joints. Use only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor. Monitoring of undesired effects like diarrhea, diaper rash is necessary.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol along with this medicine.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
It is not known whether Norfloxacin affects the patients ability to drive or not.
Does this affect kidney function?
Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose is needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.
Does this affect liver function?
Limited information is available regarding the use of this medicine in patients with liver disease. Kindly consult your doctor before doing it.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any missed dose instructions?
The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Norfloxacin approved?
India
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Norfloxacin
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Norfloxacin as ingredient
- Nordys 400Mg/600Mg Tablet
Micro Labs Ltd
- Nor Metrogyl Suspension
LEKAR PHARMA LTD.
- Nflox B 400 MG Tablet
Laborate Pharmaceutical Ltd
- Alflox 200 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Norflox 800 MG Tablet
Cipla Ltd
- Norflox Oz Lb Tablet
Cipla Ltd
- Norspan 200 MG Tablet DT
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Meriflox 500 MG Tablet
Wockhardt Ltd
- Alflox 100 MG Tablet DT
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Norflox 100 MG Tablet DT
Cipla Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medicine works as a bactericidal by inhibiting the bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme, which is essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to expansion and destabilization of the bacterial DNA and causes cell death.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Norfloxacin ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Disulfiram
Increased toxicity/serum levels: Quinolones cause increased levels or toxicity of digoxin, caffeine, warfarin, cyclosporine, and possibly theophylline. Cimetidine and probenecid increase quinolone levels.Interaction with Disease
Central Nervous System Depression
If you suffer from CNS disorder and you take Norfloxacin, then you may experience tremors, restlessness, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. Avoid consuming caffeine-containing products like coffee, chocolates and energy drinks.Qt Prolongation
Avoid using Norfloxacin if you experience any chest discomfort. Regular cardiac function tests are to be performed if you have any heart disease (arrhythmia) or family history of heart disease.Colitis
Avoid taking Norfloxacin if you experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools after taking the medicine. Inform the doctor if you have any gastrointestinal diseases. Drink adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.Interaction with Food
Dairy products
The desired effect of Norfloxacin is not observed if consumed with dairy products. There should be at least 2 hours gap between taking Norfloxacin and dairy products.
FAQs about Norfloxacin
Ques : What is Norfloxacin?
Ans : This medication belongs to the class of fluoroquinolones and used to treat Bacterial infections.
Ques : How long do I need to use Norfloxacin before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Norfloxacin?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Norfloxacin empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Norfloxacin?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
References
Ofloxacin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ofloxacin
Ofloxacin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01165
OFLOXACIN Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=OFLOXACIN
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Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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