Norfloxacin

Antibiotic (fluoroquinolone)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Norfloxacin is a antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Norflox-TZ. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats urine and gut infections.

How it works

An older fluoroquinolone used mostly for urinary and gut infections.

How to take it

Usually 400 mg twice a day on an empty stomach with water. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest)
  • Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet
  • Mood changes or confusion
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Palpitations

Be careful

Can rarely damage tendons; avoid antacids at the same time.

Other medicines and interactions

Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.

Combination medicines that contain Norfloxacin (1)

Norflox-TZ

Common questions

What is Norfloxacin used for?

Treats urine and gut infections.

How does Norfloxacin work?

An older fluoroquinolone used mostly for urinary and gut infections.

How should I take Norfloxacin?

Usually 400 mg twice a day on an empty stomach with water. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Norfloxacin?

Common: Nausea, dizziness, headache. Get help straight away for: Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest), tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet, mood changes or confusion, severe diarrhoea, palpitations.

Does Norfloxacin interact with other medicines?

Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines.

Is Norfloxacin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.

Does Norfloxacin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Norfloxacin?

Norflox-TZ.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.