What is Norfloxacin?
Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It fights with the bacteria present in the body. This medication is used to treat different bacterial infections of the prostate and urinary tract i.e., bladder and kidneys. Norfloxacin tablets are also used for treating Gonorrhea. This works by blocking DNA gyrase enzymes which are responsible for the production as well as repairing of bacterial DNA. The blocking of DNA gyrase will lead to bacteria death which will prevent from worsening of infections. Norfloxacin tablets are also used in the treatment of infections which are caused by gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus Vulgaris.
Norfloxacin Uses
- It is used to treat bacterial infections.
- Treating Gonorrhea
- Treat the infections caused in Kidney and bladder
Norfloxacin Side effects
Common Norfloxacin side effects are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling sleepy
Serious Norfloxacin side effects are:
- Showing different signs of allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching, wheezing, 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
Precautions
Before taking Norfloxacin to consult with your doctor if you’re allergic to any of the medications or diseases. Some of the medication contains few inactive ingredients which will cause allergic reactions in the body. Talk to your doctor if you have any medical history like a joint problem, kidney disease, brain disorders (depression), nerve problems, seizure disorder, blood vessel problem, high blood pressure and any other genetic conditions.
Norfloxacin can cause a condition where it can affect the heart rhythm i.e., QT prolongation. QT prolongation can irregular 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 usage of Norfloxacin if you have the following problems:
- Low levels of potassium
- High or low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver Disease
Avoid the usage of alcohol consumption and smoking if you are taking Norfloxacin.
How to get rid of side effects?
- Nausea:Avoid eating spicy foods while taking Azithromycin. Try to have simple meals.
- Diarrhea or Vomiting:Try drinking enough amount of water to avoid dehydration. Drink a small sip of warm water if you’re sick. Avoid using any other types of medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting.
- Headaches:Drink plenty of water. If you are facing a severe headache ask your doctor to prescribe you with pain killers.
- Dizziness or Tired:While standing if you feel dizziness try getting up slowly and sit down slowly you can feel better. Still, if you feel dizziness then try lying down. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.
How to take Norfloxacin?
Norfloxacin should be taken as prescribed the Doctor. Follow the below instructions while taking Norfloxacin:
Norfloxacin should be taken one time a day
Take the medicine in an empty stomach i.e. before 1 or 2 hours before or after the meals or after having milk or any dairy products
Norfloxacin should be taken with a full glass of water
Dosage
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection– 1 tablet (400mg) in every 12 hours for 3 days.
- Complicated Urinary tract infection- 1 tablet (400mg) in every 12 hours for 10 to 21 days
- For different infections- 1 tablet (400mg) in every 12 hours for 7-10 days
- Prostatitis- 1 tablet (400mg) in every 12 hours for 28 to 42 days
- Gonorrhea- 2 tablets (800mg) as a single dose
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose 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 some 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.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Norfloxacin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Norfloxacin Warnings
- Bacterial resistance
- Blood sugar levels
- Diarrhea
- Kidney
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Seizures
- Tendons
Don’t take this drug if you had any allergies, it may cause you some serious medical conditions.
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 safe side consult your Doctor before taking the medicine.
Breastfeeding
Norfloxacin passes into the breast milk. It can cause some side effects to child’s who are breastfed. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and rash. Before taking Norfloxacin while breastfeeding consult your doctor.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause 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 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Norfloxacin consult your Doctor. In case if 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. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Norfloxacin.
Norfloxacin vs Ofloxacin
Norfloxacin |
Ofloxacin |
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| Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It fights with the bacteria present in the body. This medication is used to treat different bacterial infections of the prostate and urinary tract i.e., bladder and kidneys. | Ofloxacin are used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to quinolone antibiotics. |
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