Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that reaches high levels in urine and in the gut, which is where it does most of its work. It is also available as eye drops.

What Norfloxacin Is Used For

Urinary tract infections and prostatitis
Travellers diarrhoea and some gut infections
Preventing infection in advanced liver disease, on specialist advice
Bacterial eye infections, as drops

Common Side Effects

Nausea and abdominal discomfort
Headache and dizziness
Sensitivity to sunlight
Trouble sleeping

Precautions

Take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, and keep it two hours away from antacids, iron, calcium and dairy. Stop and contact your doctor for tendon pain, especially at the heel, or new numbness and tingling. Fluoroquinolones are reserved for infections where a simpler antibiotic will not do, because of these uncommon but lasting side effects.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.