Uses of Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is used to treat urinary tract infections (infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder or urethra) and gonococcal infections (sexually transmitted infection that infects both male and female).  

Therapeutic Category

Norfloxacin: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

How Norfloxacin works

Norfloxacin works by inhibiting the activity of the bacterial enzyme DNA-gyrase, which helps to prevent the bacteria from multiplying and thus effectively treats the bacterial infection. 

Common side effects of Norfloxacin

• Headache
• Dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness
• Abdominal pain and spasms
• Nausea
• Rash 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• In case of accidental overdose or poisoning
• Symptoms of angio-oedema (such as swollen face, tongue or throat, difficulty in swallowing, hives and difficulty breathing)
• Severe skin reaction
• Symptom of an inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or liver failure (such as yellow discoloration of the eye whites or skin)
• Pain or inflammation of a tendon (in your ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder or knee)
• Symptoms of nerve damage (neuropathy) such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness especially in the feet and legs or hands and arms
• Pseudomembranous colitis (infection causing inflammation of the large intestine, severe and persistent diarrhoea)

Health Tips for Norfloxacin

• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Norfloxacin as it can increase the risk of side effects
• Norfloxacin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking products containing calcium such as dairy products (milk or liquid milk products such as yoghurt)
• Avoid driving or using machines as it causes dizziness