About Norflox 400 Tablet
Norflox 400 Tablet contains Norfloxacin 400 mg. Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic mainly used to treat urinary tract infections and some bacterial infections of the gut. It works only against bacteria, not viruses. It is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Uses of Norflox 400 Tablet
- Urinary tract infections, such as bladder infection
- Some bacterial infections of the gut causing diarrhoea, as decided by your doctor
Benefits
In urinary tract infections
It kills the bacteria causing the infection, easing burning, pain and frequent urination. Complete the full course so the infection does not come back.
Side effects
Most people have only mild side effects, but stop taking it and contact your doctor if you notice any of the serious signs.
Common
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
Get medical help if you notice
- Pain, swelling or a snapping feeling in a tendon (especially the heel) — stop and contact your doctor
- Numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the hands or feet — stop and contact your doctor
- Mood changes, confusion, anxiety, fits or hallucinations — stop and seek medical help
- Sudden severe pain in the chest, stomach or back — seek emergency care
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea, fast or irregular heartbeat, shakiness or sweating from low blood sugar, or an allergic reaction — seek medical help
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or milk. Drink plenty of fluids while taking it. Complete the full course.
How it works
It blocks enzymes that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so the bacteria cannot multiply and die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to dizziness and is best avoided while you have an infection.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Generally not used in pregnancy, as it may affect the baby's developing joints. Your doctor will usually choose another antibiotic.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Usually not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for a suitable option.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or affect concentration. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may need to change the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not take it at the same time as antacids, iron, zinc, calcium or milk; keep them about 2 hours apart.
- Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
- Avoid strong sunlight and protect your skin, as it can make your skin more sensitive.
- It is not usually given to children or teenagers who are still growing.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, diabetes or heart rhythm problems.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Fluoroquinolone
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective
- Action class
- Quinolone antibiotic (DNA gyrase inhibitor)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and dairy products | Reduce how much norfloxacin is absorbed |
| Theophylline | Theophylline levels may rise, causing side effects |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin | May increase the risk of bleeding |
| NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen | May increase the risk of fits |
| Diabetes medicines | Blood sugar may go too high or too low |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Norfloxacin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA fluoroquinolone safety communications; NICE BNF: norfloxacin). Pharmacist review pending.