Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Here’s a detailed overview:

Description:

Norfloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, interfering with DNA replication and repair. It is primarily effective against gram-negative bacteria.

Brand Names:

  • Noroxin
  • Norflox
  • Norfloxin
  • Norfloxacine (varies by country)
  • Norfloxa (varies by country)

Available Forms and Strengths:

  • Tablets: 400 mg
  • Oral Suspension: Not commonly available (primarily in tablet form)

Uses:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Effective for uncomplicated UTIs and some complicated UTIs
  • Prostatitis: Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  • Gastrointestinal Infections: Sometimes used for traveler’s diarrhea due to specific bacteria

Side Effects:

  • Common: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain
  • Serious: Tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, QT interval prolongation, hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis)

Dosage:

  • Adults: Typically 400 mg twice daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection and its severity.

Contraindications:

  • Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to norfloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
  • Tendon Disorders: History of tendon rupture or other tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
  • Central Nervous System Disorders: Caution in patients with a history of seizures or other central nervous system conditions

Warnings:

  • Tendon Risk: Increased risk of tendon rupture, particularly in older adults and those on corticosteroids
  • Central Nervous System Effects: Potential for seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and other CNS effects
  • Cardiac Effects: Risk of QT interval prolongation, which may lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances
  • Clostridium difficile: Risk of severe Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, appropriate dosage, and potential drug interactions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *