Norfloxacin 400 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Norfloxacin Uses  

Norfloxacin is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like: 

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
2. Bladder infections 
3. Prostate infections (in men) 
4. Diarrhea, stomach pain, and loose motions   

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Norfloxacin side effects 

More Common  

1. Nausea or vomiting 
2. Stomach pain or discomfort 
3. Diarrhea or loose motions 
4. Headache 
5. Dizziness   

Less Common

1. Skin rash or itching 
2. Increased sensitivity to sunlight (easy sunburn) 
3. Trouble sleeping or feeling restless    

How Norfloxacin works 

Norfloxacin works by stopping bacteria from copying their genetic material (DNA). It blocks key enzymes that bacteria need to grow and divide. When this process is stopped, the bacteria cannot survive, which helps the body fight and clear the infection. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy Warning

Avoid norfloxacin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to norfloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin). Taking this medicine can cause serious allergic reactions, hence inform your doctor if you had any allergy to antibiotics before using this medicine. 

Severe Kidney Problems

Patients with kidney problems might face few issues as this medicine may remain in the body for longer and increase the risk of side effects, so your doctor may adjust the dose or choose an alternative treatment if necessary. 

Tendon Disorders

Avoid norfloxacin if you have a history of tendon pain, swelling, or rupture, as this medicine may increase the risk of tendon injury, especially around the ankle (Achilles tendon). The risk is higher in elderly patients and those on steroid medicines. 

Seizure Disorders

Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures as norfloxacin may increase the risk of seizures in such patients, so your doctor will decide whether it is safe for you or choose an alternative treatment if needed. 

Heart Disorders

Avoid if you have known heart disorders, as norfloxacin may affect heart rhythm and increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. Always communicate with your doctor about your past disease history. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Norfloxacin is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it may affect the baby’s growth and development. Always consult your doctor before use. 

Norfloxacin Interaction with Food Product

Avoid taking Norfloxacin with milk, curd, cheese, or other dairy products, because these can reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. Drink plenty of water while taking norfloxacin and always inform your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you are using. 

Norfloxacin Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Norfloxacin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Norfloxacin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name

Norfloxacin: 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-piperazin-1-ylquinoline-3-carboxylic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Norfloxacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take norfloxacin 400 mg more than twice a day. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Norfloxacin Summary

Norfloxacin is an antibiotic medicine from the fluoroquinolone class used to treat bacterial infections, mainly in the urinary and digestive systems. It helps clear infections like urinary tract infections, bladder infections, prostate infections in men, bacterial diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea by killing bacteria and stopping them from multiplying. 

It should only be taken on a doctor’s advice, as the doctor will ensure the correct dose and check for any health issues. People who are allergic to norfloxacin or other fluoroquinolones, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or those with tendon, kidney, seizure, or heart problems should avoid or use it carefully under medical supervision. 

Some common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash, or sensitivity to sunlight. Rare but serious side effects may involve severe diarrhea, tendon pain, numbness, irregular heartbeat, or serious allergic reactions. Avoid taking it with milk, dairy products, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, as they can reduce its effectiveness. Drink plenty of water while using this medicine.   

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Norfloxacin tablet? 

Norfloxacin tablet is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections, mainly in the urinary and digestive systems. It helps clear infections like urinary tract infections, bladder infections, prostate infections in men, bacterial diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. It works by killing the bacteria causing these infections. 

What are the side effects of Norfloxacin? 

Some people may feel mild effects like stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness. You might also get a rash, itching, or become more sensitive to sunlight. Rarely, it can cause serious problems like severe diarrhea, tendon pain, numbness, irregular heartbeat, or severe allergic reactions. If any serious side effects happen, stop the medicine and contact your doctor right away. 

Is Norfloxacin safe during pregnancy? 

Norfloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as it may affect the baby’s growth and development. If you are pregnant and need treatment for a bacterial infection, your doctor will choose a safer alternative. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine. 

Who should not take Norfloxacin? 

Norfloxacin should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It is also generally avoided in children and teenagers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with a history of tendon problems, seizures, severe kidney disease, or certain heart rhythm disorders. Always inform your doctor about your medical history before taking this medicine. 

What class of medicine is Norfloxacin? 

Norfloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which work by killing bacteria and treating bacterial infections. 

Reference 

1. Norfloxacin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 
2. PubChem. Norfloxacin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
3. Norfloxacin (oral route) [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024. Available from   

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.