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Norfloxacin

  • Norfloxacin is used for the treatment of infections of the urinary system.
  • Even if your condition improves it is important to complete the prescribed course of norfloxacin.
  • The most common side effects are feeling sick, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache.

About norfloxacin

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Water infections such as cystitis
Also called Utinor
Available as Tablets

Norfloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary system. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Before taking norfloxacin

Before taking norfloxacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If the person who will be taking the medication is under 18 years of age.
  • If you have ever suffered from tendon or muscular problems.
  • If you suffer from or have ever suffered from epilepsy or fits.
  • If you suffer from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from or have ever suffered from any problems with your heart rhythm.
  • if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take norfloxacin

  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Take norfloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take norfloxacin tablets at regular spaced intervals at least one hour before or two hours after a meal or drink of milk
  • Norfloxacin must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
  • You must complete the course of norfloxacin.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take indigestion remedies or any medicines containing iron or zinc within two hours of taking norfloxacin.
  • Avoid excess sunlight while taking norfloxacin (occasionally norfloxacin may cause an allergic reaction to sunlight)
  • Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking norfloxacin. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking norfloxacin and for at least seven days after your course has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can norfloxacin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Heartburn (indigestion) Do not take indigestion remedies or any medicines containing iron or zinc at the same time as of day as this medicine. Take any such remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of norfloxacin. Speak with your pharmacist who may be able to suggest a suitable remedy.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) If this continues or becomes a problem that prevents you from taking your medicine speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience pain or inflammation in your joints, particularly hips, knees or ankles stop taking norfloxacin and rest the limb until the pain eases and contact your doctor straight away.

Other side-effects which are sometimes caused by norfloxacin include: stomach ache, rash, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, irritability, disorientation, hallucination, ringing in the ears and excess tears.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store norfloxacin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
4133		 DocRef:
dils3917		 Last Updated:
23 Apr 2007		 Date of Next Review:
22 Apr 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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