Norfloxacin
About Norfloxacin
Norfloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye and ear infections. An ear infection occurs when the bacteria affect the middle or outer ear, leading to pain and inflammation. Bacterial eye infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade any part of the eye, such as the eyeball, conjunctiva, or cornea.
Norfloxacin contains Norfloxacin, which works by inhibiting DNA-gyrase, an essential enzyme involved in DNA replication. Thus, it kills bacteria and treats bacterial eye/ear infections.
In some cases, Norfloxacin may cause side effects, such as discomfort and local burning sensation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before using Norfloxacin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Norfloxacin should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor. Do not touch the tip of the dropper as it may contaminate the contents. Keep your doctor informed regarding your health condition and ongoing medications to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Norfloxacin
• Bacterial eye infections: Norfloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye such as conjunctivitis and keratitis.
• Corneal Ulcers: Norfloxacin is to treat corneal ulcers, especially those caused by bacterial infections.
• Ear Infections: Norfloxacin is used to treat external bacterial ear infections like otitis externa (swimmer’s ear).
• Controls Ear Discharge: Norfloxacin helps to control ear discharge and reduces bacterial load in infected ear.
Medicinal Benefits
Norfloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye and ear infections. Norfloxacin contains Norfloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by inhibiting DNA-gyrase, an essential enzyme involved in DNA replication. Thus, it kills bacteria and treats bacterial eye/ear infections.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- For the Eye, lie down and tilt your head backwards. Gently pull your lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- For the Ear: Lie down with the affected ear facing upwards. Hold the dropper over the ear and instil the prescribed number of drops into the ear.
- Norfloxacin is for use in eyes/ears only, not for injection.
- Once the nozzle is pierced, do not touch the nozzle tip as this may contaminate the solution.
Storage
Side Effects of Norfloxacin
- Discomfort
- Burning sensation
Drug Warnings
Do not use Norfloxacin if you are allergic to any of its components or if you have viral or fungal eye/ear infections. Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, ocular hypertension, diabetes, eye/ear infection or injury, or heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before using Norfloxacin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Norfloxacin should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Norfloxacin interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Norfloxacin; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIf you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Norfloxacin; your doctor will decide whether Norfloxacin can be used by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
consult your doctorThe effects of Norfloxacin on the ability to drive or operate machinery are unknown. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Norfloxacin in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Norfloxacin in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
consult your doctorNorfloxacin should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Eye infections:
- Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup such as eyeliner, mascara or kohl.
- Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
- Regularly wash and change the pillowcases.
- If you wear contact lenses, Clean and replace them more often. Never share contact lenses. Always wash your hands before inserting and removing the contact lens.
Ear infections:
- Include fruits, vegetables, high-quality proteins and whole wheat grains in your diet to strengthen the immune system.
- Avoid consuming foods that you are allergic to, as this can cause the body to produce excess mucus, leading to inflammation.
- Avoid getting things like shampoo, soap, and water into the ear, as it can cause itching.
- Do not poke or scratch the ear, as this can damage the ear canal and lead to inflammation.
- Avoid second-hand smoke.
- Stay healthy as immunity prevents infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infections: Bacterial eye infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade any part of the eye, such as the eyeball, conjunctiva, or cornea. Symptoms of an infection include red eye, pain, discharge, watery/dry eyes, swelling, itching, and sensitivity to light. The common bacterial eye infections are conjunctivitis, stye, and keratitis. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the infection/inflammation of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. A stye is a bump on the eyelid or base of eyelashes. Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. It is a common problem in people who wear contact lenses.
Bacterial ear infections: An ear infection occurs when bacteria affect the middle or outer ear, leading to pain and inflammation. An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tubes (small tubes that run from each ear to the back of the throat) become blocked or swollen. Infection of the middle ear (air-filled space behind the eardrum) is known as otitis media, whereas the inflammation of the external/outer ear canal that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head is known as otitis externa. Ear infections can be painful due to inflammation and fluid buildup. Symptoms include pain or discomfort inside the ear, pus or fluid-like drainage from the ear, a feeling of pressure inside the ear, and loss of hearing.
FAQs
Norfloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye and ear infections.
Norfloxacin works by inhibiting DNA-gyrase, an essential enzyme involved in DNA replication. Thus, it kills bacteria and treats bacterial eye/ear infections.
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Norfloxacin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Consult the doctor if the irritation persists or worsens.
Norfloxacin can be used with other eye/ear medications if prescribed by your doctor. However, you are advised to maintain a gap of 10-15minutes between using Norfloxacin and other eye/ear medications.
Do not use Norfloxacin for longer durations unless prescribed, as it may lead to other infections. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve despite using Norfloxacin for a week.
Norfloxacin may cause a local burning sensation. It is not necessary for everyone using Norfloxacin to experience this side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsens, consult your doctor.