Norfloxacin

Drug #524

Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, structurally related to nalidixic acid. Due to it's relatively poor oral bioavailability, its clinical use is limited to the treatment of urinary tract infections and uncomplicated gonorrhea. Norfloxacin is also approved for use as an ophthalmic solution for bacterial conjunctivitis. It has the shortest half-life of all currently available fluoroquinolones. It was initially approved for systemic use by the FDA in October 1986. Norfloxacin is bactericidal via its effects on DNA gyrase, an enzyme responsible for counteracting the excessive supercoiling of DNA during replication or transcription. Although human cells do not contain DNA gyrase, they do contain a topoisomerase enzyme that functions in the same manner. This mammalian enzyme is not affected by bactericidal concentrations of quinolones. Norfloxacin is unclear how inhibition of DNA gyrase leads to bacterial cell death. Both rapid and slow growing organisms are inhibited by fluoroquinolones.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Fluoroquinolone.

It belongs to DNA Gyrase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotic, Quinolone pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 319.3 · pK_a: 6.2-6.4, 8.7- 8.9 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 100 - 1-1000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 500 · Non-proprietary name: Norfloxacin · pH: 0.03.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Norfloxacin has an oral bioavailability is 65% (±15%).

Distribution: Norfloxacin has a volume of distribution is 2.5-3.1 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 15%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 2.6-4.5 hr, renal excretion is 36%.

Indications

Norfloxacin is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial enteric infections, Carvicitis, Cervicitits, Chronic prostatitis, Chronic relapsing UTIS, Gonorrhoea, Urethritis, Urinary tract infection, UTI.

Norfloxacin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Eye infections.

Contraindications

Norfloxacin is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Norfloxacin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
0.3 %	0.3 %	Every 4h	Ophthalmic
800 mg	800 mg	—	Oral	For uncomplicated Gonorrhoea
400 mg	400 mg	Every 12h	PO	For 3 to 10 days
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not indicated in peads
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not used in children

Drug Interactions

Unknown7 interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Norfloxacin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hepatitis , Hemolytic anemia , Hemolytic anemia , Seizures , Exfoliative dermatitis , Interstitial nephritis , Hemolytic anemia.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Norfloxacin are Crystalluria , Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Acute renal failure, GI disturbances.

Norfloxacin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Arthralgia, Constipation , Crystalluria , Depression, Diarrhea, Dry mouth, Fever, GI symptoms, Headache, Heart burn, Insomnia, Nausea, Rashes , Tendinitis, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Norfloxacin should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with eye problems or allergies, especially to any antibiotics.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Eye Drops

0.3 %w/v

Tabs

200 mg 400 mg

Storage Conditions

Norfloxacin should be stored Tab, Eye Soln.

Drug Classification

1.6.2.2.2 — Quinolones
2.21.1.1 — Antibacterials

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Norfloxacin in Pakistan: