What is norfloxacin? What is norfloxacin used for?
Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other
fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and
ofloxacin (Floxin). Norfloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is
responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase
leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Norfloxacin treats
infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria like Enterococcus
faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus
saprophyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter
aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens. FDA approved the brand name norfloxacin
(Noroxin) in October 1986.
What brand names are available for norfloxacin?
Noroxin
Is norfloxacin available as a generic drug?
Not in US, in Canada
Do I need a prescription for norfloxacin?
Yes
What are the side effects of norfloxacin?
Side effects of norfloxacin are nausea, stomach cramps,
dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea,
abnormal heart beats, and
photosensitivity
(sun sensitivity).
Norfloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of
antibiotics, has been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons,
particularly the
Achilles tendon. Many antibiotics, including norfloxacin, can
alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacterium
responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon, (C. difficile
caused
pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous
colitis after starting norfloxacin (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and
possibly shock) should contact their
doctor immediately.
Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscles
weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis. They also worsen low blood
glucose levels when combined with sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide [Micronase,
Diabeta, Glynase, Prestab]).
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer
What is the dosage for norfloxacin?
- Uncomplicated
urinary tract infectionTake 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth every
12 hours for 3 days - Complicated urinary tract infection Take 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth every 12
hours for 10 to 21 days. - For infections caused by
E. coli, K. pneumoniae, or P.
mirabilis only. Take 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days,
for infections caused by any other bacteria. - ProstatitisTake 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth every 12 hours for 28 to 42
days. - Gonorrhea Take 2 tablets (800 mg) by mouth as one single dose.
Safe and effective use of norfloxacin is not established in patients under
the age of 18 years.
Note that some organisms are resistant to norfloxacin; organisms should be
tested for susceptibility to this drug.
Which drugs or supplements interact with norfloxacin?
: Norfloxacin should be used with caution with medications
like caffeine, clozapine (Clozaril), ropinorole (Requip), cyclosporine (Neoral,
Sandimmune, Gengraf), theophylline (Theo-24), and tizanidine (Zanaflex) because
norfloxacin can slow down breakdown of these medications in and increase their
levels in the body.
Norfloxacin should be separated from aluminum and magnesium containing
antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), and multivitamins because they can lower
absorption of norfloxacin and reduce its effectiveness. They should be
administered 2 hours before norfloxacin.
Norfloxacin should be used with caution with warfarin (Coumadin) because
norfloxacin can increase the risks of bleeding and
bruising.
Norfloxacin should be used with caution with medications used for treating
abnormal heart beats because it can affect heart rhythm.
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Is norfloxacin safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether norfloxacin enters
breast milk;
therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about norfloxacin?
What preparations of norfloxacin are available?
Tablets: 400 mg
How should I keep norfloxacin stored?
Store norfloxacin tablets between temperatures of 15 C – 30 C (59 F
– 86 F), in a tightly closed container.