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Norfloxacin (United States: Not available): Drug information

Norfloxacin (United States: Not available): Drug information
(For additional information see "Norfloxacin (United States: Not available): Patient drug information")

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions used in Lexicomp (show table)
Brand Names: Canada
  • ALTI-Norfloxacin;
  • APO-Norfloxacin;
  • TEVA-Norfloxacin [DSC]
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antibiotic, Fluoroquinolone
Dosing: Adult
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prophylaxis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prophylaxis (off-label use):

Note: For secondary prophylaxis in patients with prior spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and primary prophylaxis in patients at high risk for SBP (eg, low ascites protein [<1.5 g/dL] with advanced liver failure or impaired kidney function). Some experts also use for prophylaxis during hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis and either acute GI bleeding or ascites protein <1 g/dL (AASLD [Biggins 2021]; Fernández 2006; Runyon 2022).

Oral: 400 mg once daily (EASL 2018; Fernández 2007; Runyon 2022). For patients with cirrhosis and acute GI bleeding, some experts use 400 mg twice daily following, or as an alternative to parenteral prophylaxis, for a total antibiotic duration of 7 days (Runyon 2022).

Uncomplicated gonorrhea

Uncomplicated gonorrhea: Oral: 800 mg as a single dose. Note: Norfloxacin is not a preferred therapy for gonorrhea due to resistance (CDC [Workowski 2021]; PHAC 2021)

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection:

Cystitis, acute uncomplicated or acute simple cystitis (infection limited to the bladder without signs/symptoms of upper tract, prostate, or systemic infection) (alternative agent):

Note: Use is discouraged due to safety concerns and increasing resistance; reserve for those who have no alternative treatment options (Bidell 2016; FDA 2016; Gupta 2021; Hooton 2021a; IDSA/ESCMID [Gupta 2011]). However, for men who have severe symptoms or there is concern for early prostate involvement, some experts prefer fluoroquinolones (Gupta 2021).

Oral: 400 mg twice daily for 3 days (females) or 5 days (males) (Gupta 2021; Hooton 2021a; Iravani 1992).

Urinary tract infection, complicated (including pyelonephritis):

Note: If the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance is >10%, an initial dose of a long-acting parenteral antimicrobial (eg, ceftriaxone) followed by oral therapy is recommended for outpatients (Hooton 2021c; IDSA/ESCMID [Gupta 2011]).

Oral: 400 mg twice daily for 5 to 7 days (Hooton 2021c; Schaeffer 1992).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

eGFR ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment necessary.

eGFR ≤30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: 400 mg once daily.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult

No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling.

Dosing: Older Adult

Refer to adult dosing.

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 400 mg

Product Availability

Not available in the United States.

Administration: Adult

Oral: Hold antacids, sucralfate, or multivitamins/supplements containing iron, zinc, magnesium, or aluminum for at least 2 hours before or after giving norfloxacin; do not administer together. Administer on an empty stomach with water (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, milk, or other dairy products).

Use: Labeled Indications

Note: Not approved in the United States.

Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria; sexually transmitted disease (eg, uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea) caused by N. gonorrhoeae.

Note: Norfloxacin is not a preferred therapy for gonorrhea due to resistance (CDC [Workowski 2021]; PHAC 2021).

Limitations of use: Because fluoroquinolones have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions (eg, tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects), reserve norfloxacin for use in patients who have no alternative treatment options for acute uncomplicated UTIs.

Use: Off-Label: Adult

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prophylaxis

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Norfloxacin may be confused with Norflex, Noroxin [DSC]

Noroxin [DSC] may be confused with Neurontin, Norflex

Other safety concerns:

ALERT: Canadian Boxed Warning: Health Canada-approved labeling includes a boxed warning. See Warnings/Precautions section for a concise summary of this information. For verbatim wording of the boxed warning, consult the product labeling.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

1% to 10%:

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (2%)

Nervous system: Dizziness (1%), headache (2%)

<1%:

Dermatologic: Erythema of skin, pruritus, skin rash, urticaria

Endocrine & metabolic: Increased lactate dehydrogenase

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, heartburn, vomiting

Genitourinary: Proteinuria

Hematologic and oncologic: Decreased hematocrit, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia

Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum bilirubin

Nervous system: Abnormal dreams, anxiety, depression, disorientation, drowsiness, euphoria, hallucination, insomnia, irritability, mood changes, nervousness, paresthesia, personality disorder

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, tendinopathy

Ophthalmic: Epiphora, visual disturbance

Renal: Increased blood urea nitrogen, increased serum creatinine

Frequency not defined:

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia

Nervous system: Agitation, delirium, disturbance in attention, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, increased intracranial pressure, memory impairment, nightmares, paranoid ideation, peripheral neuropathy, restlessness, suicidal ideation, suicidal tendencies, toxic psychosis

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Rupture of tendon, tremor

Postmarketing:

Cardiovascular: Vasculitis

Dermatologic: Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, localized erythema (periorbital), skin photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Gastrointestinal: Clostridioides difficile colitis, constipation, pancreatitis (rare), xerostomia

Genitourinary: Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Hematologic & oncologic: Hemolytic anemia (sometimes associated with G6PD deficiency), hemophthalmos, thrombocytopenia

Hepatic: Hepatitis, hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic) (Chalasani 2014)

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema

Nervous system: Ataxia, confusion, dysarthria, dysphasia, fatigue, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypertonia, polyneuropathy, psychotic reaction, seizure

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthritis, asthenia, myalgia

Ophthalmic: Conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, nystagmus disorder

Otic: Hearing loss (transient), tinnitus

Renal: Interstitial nephritis, renal failure syndrome

Respiratory: Dyspnea

Miscellaneous: Fever

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to norfloxacin, quinolones, or any component of the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Altered cardiac conduction: Fluoroquinolones may prolong QTc interval; avoid use in patients with a history of QTc prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or concurrent administration of other medications known to prolong the QT interval (including Class Ia and Class III antiarrhythmics, cisapride, erythromycin, antipsychotics, and tricyclic antidepressants).

• Aortic aneurysm and dissection: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with aortic aneurysm ruptures or dissection within 2 months following use, particularly in elderly patients. Fluoroquinolones should not be used in patients with a known history of aortic aneurysm or those at increased risk, including patients with peripheral atherosclerotic vascular diseases, hypertension, genetic disorders involving blood vessel changes (eg, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and elderly patients, unless no other treatment options are available. Longer treatment duration (eg, >14 days) may increase risk (Lee 2018).

• Glucose regulation: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with the development of serious, and sometimes fatal, hypoglycemia. These events have occurred most often in elderly patients with diabetes, but have also been reported in patients without a prior history of diabetes. Prompt identification and treatment of hypoglycemia is essential. Individual quinolones may differ in their potential to cause this effect. It was most evident with gatifloxacin (no longer marketed as s systemic formulation). Hyperglycemia has also been associated with the use of fluoroquinolones. Patients should be monitored closely for signs/symptoms of disordered glucose regulation.

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with quinolone therapy. The spectrum of these reactions can vary widely; reactions may present as typical allergic symptoms (eg, itching, urticaria, rash, edema) after a single dose, or may manifest as severe idiosyncratic dermatologic (eg, Stevens-Johnson, toxic epidermal necrolysis), vascular (eg, vasculitis), pulmonary (eg, pneumonitis), renal (eg, nephritis), hepatic (eg, hepatic failure or necrosis), and/or hematologic (eg, anemia, cytopenias) events, usually after multiple doses. Prompt discontinuation of drug should occur if skin rash or other symptoms arise.

• Phototoxicity: Avoid excessive sunlight and take precautions to limit exposure (eg, loose fitting clothing, sunscreen); may cause moderate-to-severe phototoxicity reactions. Discontinue use if photosensitivity occurs.

• Serious adverse reactions: [Canadian Boxed Warning]: Fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that may occur together, including tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Discontinue norfloxacin immediately and avoid use of fluoroquinolones in patients who experience any of these serious adverse reactions. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these reactions; may occur within hours to weeks after initiation.

- CNS effects: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with an increased risk of CNS effects including seizures, increased intracranial pressure (including pseudotumor cerebri), and toxic psychosis; may also cause nervousness, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. May occur following the first dose; discontinue immediately and avoid further use of fluoroquinolones in patients who experience these reactions. Use with caution in patients with known or suspected CNS disorder, or risk factors that may predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold.

- Peripheral neuropathy: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy; may occur soon after initiation of therapy and may be irreversible; discontinue if symptoms of sensory or sensorimotor neuropathy occur. Avoid use in patients who have previously experienced peripheral neuropathy.

- Tendinitis/tendon rupture: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture in all ages; risk may be increased with concurrent corticosteroids, solid organ transplant recipients, and in patients >60 years of age, but has also occurred in patients without these risk factors. Rupture of the Achilles tendon has been reported most frequently; but other tendon sites (eg, rotator cuff, biceps, hand) have also been reported. Inflammation and rupture may occur bilaterally. Cases have been reported within hours or days of initiation, and up to several months after discontinuation of therapy. Strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders may be independent risk factor for tendon rupture. Discontinue at first sign of tendon pain, swelling, inflammation or rupture. Avoid use in patients with a history of tendon disorders or who have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture.

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.

Disease-related concerns:

• Myasthenia gravis: May exacerbate muscle weakness related to myasthenia gravis; avoid use in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis. Cases of severe exacerbations, including the need for ventilatory support and deaths, have been reported.

• Renal impairment: Use caution with renal impairment; dose adjustment required. May increase risk of tendon rupture.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Use with caution in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; may increase risk of tendon rupture.

• Syphilis: Since norfloxacin is ineffective in the treatment of syphilis and may mask symptoms, all patients should be tested for syphilis at the time of gonorrheal diagnosis and 3 months later.

Special populations:

• Older adult: Adverse effects (eg, tendon rupture, QT changes) may be increased in the elderly.

• G6PD deficiency: Hemolytic reactions may (rarely) occur with fluoroquinolone use in patients with G6PD deficiency (Luzzatto 2020).

• Pediatric: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children; other quinolones have caused transient arthropathy in children.

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of OAT1/3

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects: Quinolones may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects. Quinolones may diminish the therapeutic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects. Specifically, if an agent is being used to treat diabetes, loss of blood sugar control may occur with quinolone use. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination

Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amphetamines: May enhance the cardiotoxic effect of Quinolones. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Antacids: May decrease the absorption of Quinolones. Of concern only with oral administration of quinolones. Management: Avoid concurrent administration of quinolones and antacids to minimize the impact of this interaction. Recommendations for optimal dose separation vary by specific quinolone. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Bacillus clausii: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bacillus clausii. Management: Bacillus clausii should be taken in between antibiotic doses during concomitant therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

BCG (Intravesical): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Risk X: Avoid combination

BCG Vaccine (Immunization): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG Vaccine (Immunization). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Caffeine and Caffeine Containing Products: Norfloxacin may increase the serum concentration of Caffeine and Caffeine Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Calcium Salts: May decrease the absorption of Quinolones. Of concern only with oral administration of both agents. Management: Consider administering an oral quinolone at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the dose of an oral calcium supplement to minimize this interaction. Monitor for decrease therapeutic effects of quinolones during coadministration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Cholera Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cholera Vaccine. Management: Avoid cholera vaccine in patients receiving systemic antibiotics, and within 14 days following the use of oral or parenteral antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid combination

Corticosteroids (Systemic): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Quinolones. Specifically, the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CycloSPORINE (Systemic): Norfloxacin may increase the serum concentration of CycloSPORINE (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Delamanid: Quinolones may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Delamanid. Management: Avoid concomitant use if possible. If coadministration is unavoidable, frequent monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECGs) throughout the full delamanid treatment period should occur. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Didanosine: Quinolones may decrease the serum concentration of Didanosine. Didanosine may decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Administer oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after didanosine. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of quinolones, particularly if doses cannot be separated as recommended. This does not apply to unbuffered enteric coated didanosine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Fexinidazole: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Management: Avoid use of fexinidazole with OAT1/3 substrates when possible. If combined, monitor for increased OAT1/3 substrate toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Haloperidol. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Iron Preparations: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Give oral quinolones at least several hours before (4 h for moxi- and sparfloxacin, 2 h for others) or after (8 h for moxi-, 6 h for cipro/dela-, 4 h for lome-, 3 h for gemi-, and 2 h for enox-, levo-, nor-, oflox-, peflox, or nalidixic acid) oral iron. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Lactobacillus and Estriol: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus and Estriol. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lanthanum: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Administer oral quinolone antibiotics at least one hour before or four hours after lanthanum. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Leflunomide: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Levoketoconazole: QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Levoketoconazole. Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Magnesium Salts: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Administer oral quinolones several hours before (4 h for moxi/pe/spar/enox-, 2 h for others) or after (8 h for moxi-, 6 h for cipro/dela-, 4 h for lome/pe/enox-, 3 h for gemi-, and 2 h for levo-, nor-, or ofloxacin or nalidixic acid) oral magnesium salts. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Methoxsalen (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Methoxsalen (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Methylphenidate: May enhance the cardiotoxic effect of Quinolones. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Specifically, polyvalent cations in multivitamin products may decrease the absorption of orally administered quinolone antibiotics. Management: Administer oral quinolones at least 2 hours before, or 6 hours after, the dose of a multivitamin that contains polyvalent cations (ie, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc). Monitor for decreased quinolone efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Multivitamins/Minerals (with AE, No Iron): May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Specifically, minerals in the multivitamin/mineral product may impair absorption of quinolone antibiotics. Management: Administer oral quinolones at least 2 hours before, or 6 hours after, the dose of a multivitamin that contains polyvalent cations (ie, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc). Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of quinolones. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Mycophenolate: Quinolones may decrease the serum concentration of Mycophenolate. Specifically, quinolones may decrease concentrations of the active metabolite of mycophenolate. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nadifloxacin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Quinolones. Risk X: Avoid combination

Nitisinone: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nitrofurantoin: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Norfloxacin. Risk X: Avoid combination

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May enhance the neuroexcitatory and/or seizure-potentiating effect of Quinolones. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents may increase the serum concentration of Quinolones. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Porfimer: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Porfimer. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pretomanid: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Probenecid: May decrease the excretion of Quinolones. Specifically, probenecid may decreased the renal excretion of quinolone antibiotics. Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Quinolones. Risk C: Monitor therapy

QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Sevelamer: May decrease the absorption of Quinolones. Management: Administer oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after sevelamer. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Sodium Picosulfate: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Picosulfate. Management: Consider using an alternative product for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy in patients who have recently used or are concurrently using an antibiotic. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Strontium Ranelate: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: In order to minimize any potential impact of strontium ranelate on quinolone antibiotic concentrations, it is recommended that strontium ranelate treatment be interrupted during quinolone therapy. Risk X: Avoid combination

Sucralfate: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Avoid concurrent administration of quinolones and sucralfate to minimize the impact of this interaction. Recommendations for optimal dose separation vary by specific quinolone. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Taurursodiol: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Risk X: Avoid combination

Teriflunomide: May increase the serum concentration of OAT1/3 Substrates (Clinically Relevant). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Theophylline Derivatives: Norfloxacin may increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Typhoid Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Only the live attenuated Ty21a strain is affected. Management: Avoid use of live attenuated typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) in patients being treated with systemic antibacterial agents. Postpone vaccination until 3 days after cessation of antibiotics and avoid starting antibiotics within 3 days of last vaccine dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Verteporfin: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Verteporfin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Quinolones may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Zinc Salts: May decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones. Management: Give oral quinolones at several hours before (4 h for moxi- and sparfloxacin, 2 h for others) or after (8 h for moxi-, 6 h for cipro/dela-, 4 h for lome-, 3 h for gemi-, and 2 h for enox-, levo-, nor-, pe- or ofloxacin or nalidixic acid) oral zinc salts. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Food Interactions

Norfloxacin average peak serum concentrations may be decreased if taken with food or dairy products. Management: Administer on an empty stomach with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, milk, or other dairy products.

Pregnancy Considerations

Norfloxacin crosses the placenta, distributing to cord blood and amniotic fluid (Wise 1984). Based on available data, an increased risk of teratogenic effects has not been observed following norfloxacin use during pregnancy (Bar-Oz 2009; Padberg 2014).

Breastfeeding Considerations

Norfloxacin was not detected in the milk of breastfeeding mothers administered an oral 200 mg dose. It is not known if concentrations would be detectable after a higher dose or multiple doses. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfeeding infant, the manufacturer recommends caution be used if administered to a breastfeeding patient.

Dietary Considerations

Oral formulations should be administered on an empty stomach with water (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, milk, or other dairy products). Maintain fluid intake to ensure adequate hydration and urinary output.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor CBC, renal and hepatic function periodically if therapy is prolonged.

Mechanism of Action

Norfloxacin is a DNA gyrase inhibitor. DNA gyrase is an essential bacterial enzyme that maintains the superhelical structure of DNA. DNA gyrase is required for DNA replication and transcription, DNA repair, recombination, and transposition; bactericidal

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Oral: Rapid, up to 40%

Protein binding: 10% to 15%

Metabolism: Hepatic

Half-life elimination: 3 to 4 hours; Renal impairment (CrCl ≤30 mL/minute): 6.5 hours; Elderly: 4 hours

Time to peak, serum: 1 to 2 hours

Excretion: Urine (26% to 32% as unchanged drug; 5% to 8% as metabolites); feces (30%)

Pricing: US

Tablets (Noroxin Oral)

400 mg (20): $96.80

Disclaimer: The pricing data provide a representative AWP and/or AAWP price from a single manufacturer of the brand and/or generic product, respectively. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Brand Names: International
  • Ambigram (CO, DO, GT, HN, PA, SV);
  • Anquin (IL);
  • Ansor (ET);
  • Apiflox (AE, JO, KW);
  • Baccidal (JP, KR, TW);
  • Barazan (DE);
  • Bexinor (SG);
  • Biofloxin (IN);
  • Chibroxin (AE, BR, CN, CY, ES, HR, IQ, IR, JO, LY, OM, PE, PL, QA, SA, SY, VE, YE);
  • Chibroxine (FR, KW, UY);
  • Chibroxol (LU, PT);
  • Ectalin (UY);
  • Epinor (EG);
  • Euroflox (AE, BH, CY, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LY, OM, SA, SY, YE);
  • Flox (BR);
  • Floxacin (AT, CR, DO, GT, HN, MX, NI, PA, SV);
  • Fluseminal (GR);
  • Gonorcin (TH);
  • Gyrablock (AE, BH, CY, CZ, ET, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE);
  • Janacin (HK, MY, TH);
  • Laxifloxin (AU);
  • Lexinor (BD, CL, ID, IN, JP, PK, SE);
  • M-Flox (TH);
  • Manoflox (TH);
  • Microxin (MX);
  • Mitatonin (HK);
  • Myfloxin (TH);
  • Naflox (IT, LB);
  • Negaflox (BG, ET, LK);
  • Nolicin (CZ, EE, HR, HU, LT, LV, PL, RO, RU, SI, SK);
  • Noracin (EG, JO, QA);
  • Norax (QA);
  • Noraxin (TW);
  • Norbactin (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TH, TN, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW);
  • Norbactin Eye Drops (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, IN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW);
  • Norf (BR);
  • Norflohexal (DE);
  • Norflox (DE, HR, IN, LV);
  • Norflox Eye (IN);
  • Norflox-N (UA);
  • Norfloxin (MY);
  • Norfloxin-400 (ZW);
  • Norlox (ZW);
  • Normac (LK);
  • Normax (LK);
  • Normax Eye Ear Drops (IN);
  • Noroxin (AE, AR, BB, BF, BH, BJ, BM, BS, BZ, CI, CN, CY, EG, ET, FI, GH, GM, GN, GY, IT, JM, JO, KE, KW, LB, LK, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, MX, NE, NG, NL, PE, PK, PT, QA, SA, SC, SD, SL, SN, SR, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UG, VE, ZM, ZW);
  • Noroxin Oftalmico (MX);
  • Norsol (CH);
  • Nufloxib (AU);
  • Oprelex (JO);
  • Oranor (CR, DO, GT, HN, MX, NI, PA, SV);
  • Orsanac (EC, PY);
  • Quinox (EG);
  • Roxin (AU);
  • Sefnor (TH);
  • Sofasin (GR);
  • Trizolin (HR);
  • Uridon (PY);
  • Uriflox (ET);
  • Urigen (CO);
  • Urobacid (EC, JO);
  • Uroctal (AE, BH, CY, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LY, OM, SA, SY, YE);
  • Uroflox (ET, IN, PT);
  • Uronor (UY);
  • Uroxacin (AR);
  • Uroxin (AE, BH, KW, LB, QA, SA);
  • UT-in (ZA);
  • Winaflox (PH);
  • Xacin (TH);
  • Zoroxin (AT, LU)


For country code abbreviations (show table)
  1. Bar-Oz B, Moretti ME, Boskovic R, O'Brien L, Koren G. The safety of quinolones--a meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2009;143(2):75-78. [PubMed 19181435]
  2. Bidell MR, Palchak M, Mohr J, Lodise TP. Fluoroquinolone and third-generation-cephalosporin resistance among hospitalized patients with urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli: do rates vary by hospital characteristics and geographic region? Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016;60(5):3170-3173. doi:10.1128/AAC.02505-15 [PubMed 26926640]
  3. Biggins SW, Angeli P, Garcia-Tsao G, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome: 2021 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2021;74(2):1014-1048. doi:10.1002/hep.31884 [PubMed 33942342]
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