Antibiotic Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is usually a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent, but is even used for treating urinary tract infections. It is antibacterial in nature and is found under different brand names among which the common one is Noroxin. They are even available as eye drops as Chibroxin. It was made by Kyorin Seiyaku K.K.

There have been associations between this drug and irreversible peripheral neuropathy. Evidences of spontaneous tendon ruptures were also found leading to severe disabilities.

Composition of Norfloxacin

Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone, synthetic in nature. It is usually orally administered to patients. It dissolves freely in glacial acetic acid, and slightly dissolves in methanol, water, and ethanol. The drug is found in 400 mg tablets. The inactive ingredients present in them are as follows:

Titanium dioxide
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Magnesium stearate
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Cellulose
Croscarmellose sodium

Uses of Norfloxacin

This drug is used for various purposes which include the treatment of prostatitis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Though recently, it is no longer used for the treatment of STDs because of developing bacterial resistance. Norfloxacin is used for both complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract diseases. Syphilis and gonorrhoea treatment methods also include the usage of this drug. Viral infections are not treated using this medication.

Side-effects of Norfloxacin

There can be many side-effects resulting from the use of Norfloxacin. Some of them are mentioned below:

Chills
Chest pain and discomfort
Discouragement
Diarrhoea
Irregular, fast, racing, or pounding pulse or heartbeat
Fever
Feeling empty or sad
Welts or hives
Redness or flushing of the skin
Irritability
Increased sweating
Itching near the rectal area
Soreness or irritation of the mouth
Loss of appetite
Itching skin
Nausea
Loss of pleasure or interest
Inflammation and pain in the joints
Discomfort or pain in the jaw, back, neck, or arms
Breathlessness
Skin rash
Tiredness
Sweating
Swelling of the hand or feet
Tingling sensation in the fingers
Vomiting
Unusual warm skin
Trouble with falling asleep
Trouble in concentrating
Blurred vision
Bloating
Tarry, black stools
Leg, stomach, or back pains
Anxiety
Blood along with stools or urine
Loosening, blistering, or peeling of the skin
Hoarseness or cough
Pale or cool skin
Bone pain
Clay-coloured stools
Double vision
Dry skin

Contraindications of Norfloxacin

The physical conditions under which the patient must be forbidden from using norfloxacin are:

Allergy to Quinolones
Lung transplant
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Epileptic Seizure
Heart Transplant
Kidney Transplant
Serious Kidney Problems
High pressure inside the skull
Anaemia
Involuntary Quivering

Norfloxacin and Pregnancy