norfloxacin /nôrflok″səsin/ , an oral antibacterial drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted gonorrhea, and proctitis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to quinolones or pregnancy or lactation prohibits its use. It should be used with caution in patients younger than 18 years because of arthropathy. Concomitant use of nitrofurantoin drugs is not recommended, and concomitant use of corticosteroids can increase the risk of arthropathy in the elderly. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Typical side effects include nausea, dizziness, and headache. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, tendon rupture, and numerous other effects have been reported with relatively low incidence.
