Norfloxacin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Warnings

Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It fights with the bacteria present in the body.

It is used to treat different bacterial infections of the prostate and urinary tract, i.e., the bladder and kidneys. Norfloxacin works effectively by stopping the growth of bacteria.

What Are the Uses of Norfloxacin Tablet?

Norfloxacin is mainly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, especially in the urinary tract and reproductive organs.

Conditions Norfloxacin Treats

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) including kidney and bladder infections
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection)

Infections caused by:

• Enterococcus faecalis
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Proteus vulgaris

Secondary Uses

• Bacterial infections caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms

How Does Norfloxacin Tablet Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Norfloxacin blocks the action of DNA gyrase, an enzyme that bacteria need to replicate and repair their DNA. By inhibiting this enzyme, Norfloxacin stops bacterial growth and eliminates the infection.

Dosage of Norfloxacin

Proper dosage ensures the medication works effectively and safely.

Common Dosage Guidelines (as per doctor's advice):

Chronic prostatitis often needs more than medication. A consultation with an experienced urologist can help identify underlying prostate issues and improve long-term outcomes.

How to Take Norfloxacin?

Norfloxacin should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Follow the below instructions while taking Norfloxacin:

• Take the medicine in an empty stomach, i.e., 1 or 2 hours before or after meals or after having milk or any dairy products
• Norfloxacin should be taken with a full glass of water

What Steps Should Be Taken If a Dose Is Missed?

Missing one or two - doses of Norfloxacin won't show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time.

If you miss a dose, a sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Do not double up to make up for it.

What Steps Should Be Followed If Someone Overdoses?

An overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Norfloxacin tablets, there is a chance of a harmful effect on your body's functions. An overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency.

Overdoses symptoms such as nausea, confusion, dizziness, seizures, or fainting.

What Are the Side Effects of Norfloxacin Tablet?

While Norfloxacin is effective in treating bacterial infections, it may cause certain side effects ranging from mild to serious. It is important to recognize these symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Common Side Effects of Norfloxacin

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Feeling sleepy

Serious Side Effects of Norfloxacin

Showing different signs of allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching, wheezing, and tightness in the throat.

• Shortness in breath
• Swallowing
• Swelling of mouth, face, lips and throat
• Pancreas problems like Pancreatitis, stomach pain, back pain and upset stomach
• Kidney problems like difficulty in passing urine, blood in urine and abnormal weight gain
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Weakness
• Unexplained bruising and bleeding
• Purple spots or redness in the skin
• Fever
• Shakiness
• Trouble while walking
• Muscle or Joint pain
• Vaginal itching
• White patches in the mouth
• Diarrhea

If you develop severe allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty, chest tightness) or experience signs of tendon problems, you should seek urgent medical care at a trusted hospital to avoid complications.

Precautions for Norfloxacin

Before taking Norfloxacin, consult with your doctor if you're allergic to any of the medications or diseases. Some of the medication contains inactive ingredients that will cause allergic reactions in the body.

Talk to your doctor if you have any medical history, like:

• Joint problem
• Kidney disease
• Brain disorders (depression)
• Nerve problems
• Seizure disorder
• Blood vessel problem
• High blood pressure
• Genetic conditions affecting drug metabolism

Norfloxacin can cause a condition where it can affect the heart rhythm, i.e., QT prolongation. QT prolongation can irregularize the heartbeat and can show other symptoms like dizziness and fainting. There is a chance of increasing the risk of QT prolongation if a person has certain medical conditions.

Avoid the use of Norfloxacin if you have the following problems:

• Low levels of potassium
• High or low blood sugar
• Diabetes,
• Kidney disease
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Liver Disease

Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking if you are taking Norfloxacin.

Other Important Warnings

• Bacterial resistance
• Diarrhea
• Tendons

Don't take this drug if you have any allergies, it may cause you some serious medical conditions.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking if you are taking Norfloxacin.
• Stay hydrated and avoid spicy foods to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort

People with serious health conditions

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be taken till the benefits outweigh the risk. Norfloxacin is not evaluated for pregnant women.

If a woman is using the drug during her pregnancy, there is no such high risk of pregnancy loss, birth defects or any other problems. But to be on the safe side, consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Breastfeeding

Norfloxacin passes into the breast milk. It can cause some side effects for children who are breastfed. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and rash. Before taking Norfloxacin while breastfeeding, consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions of Norfloxacin

Drug interactions can alter the way Norfloxacin works or increase your risk of side effects.

May Interact With:

• Antacids or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, or iron
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Medications that affect heart rhythm

Inform your doctor about all medicines, herbal products, or supplements you are taking.

How Should Norfloxacin Be Stored?

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may have some harmful effects.

The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.

Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68 °F and 77 °F (20 °C and 25 °C).

Follow your prescription and your doctor's advice whenever you take Norfloxacin. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Norfloxacin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.

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