Norfloxacin 400 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Urinary tract infections (cystitis, kidney infection) caused by susceptible bacteria; Prostate infection (prostatitis).
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.97 to ₹6.56 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfloxacin Tablets IP 400 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹19.69 | ₹1.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Norbid 400 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹9.73 | ₹0.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Norilet 400 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹12.75 | ₹1.27 | 19 October 2026 |
| Uroflox 400 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹20.78 | ₹2.08 | 19 October 2026 |
| Norbactin 400 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹43.25 | ₹4.33 | 19 October 2026 |
| Meriflox 400 | Wockhardt Ltd | 4 | ₹22.85 | ₹5.71 | 19 October 2026 |
| Alflox 400 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹65.63 | ₹6.56 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Urinary tract infections (cystitis, kidney infection) caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Prostate infection (prostatitis).
- Bacterial diarrhoea and travellers' diarrhoea, when a doctor decides an antibiotic is needed.
- Typhoid and other gut infections, where a doctor chooses it over newer antibiotics.
How to take it
Norfloxacin 400 mg is usually taken twice a day, 12 hours apart, with a full glass of water, one hour before or two hours after a meal. Drink plenty of water through the day to protect the kidneys. Keep antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and multivitamins at least 2 hours away from each dose because they stop it being absorbed, and do not take it with milk or curd alone. Courses are usually 3 to 7 days for urinary infections and longer for prostatitis; finish the course even if you feel better. Stop and see a doctor immediately if you get pain or swelling in a tendon, numbness or tingling in the limbs, or an irregular heartbeat.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea or stomach upset.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Diarrhoea.
- Difficulty sleeping.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Tendon pain, swelling or rupture, especially the Achilles tendon – risk is higher over 60 and with steroids. Stop and see a doctor.
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet – nerve damage that can be lasting.
- Fits, confusion, hallucinations, severe anxiety or depression.
- Severe allergic reaction, or severe watery diarrhoea with fever.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol during the course; it adds to dizziness and dehydration and delays recovery.
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding because of possible effects on the baby's joints. Tell your doctor; other antibiotics are usually chosen.
Kidney problems
The dose is reduced in kidney disease. Drink plenty of water, as quinolones can form crystals in the urine.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; liver inflammation is a rare side effect.
Children
Not normally used under 18 because of the risk of joint and tendon damage, except in special situations a specialist decides.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never double the dose.
Interactions
- Antacids (Digene, Gelusil), iron, zinc, calcium and multivitamins – take at least 2 hours away or norfloxacin will not be absorbed.
- Sucralfate – same problem; separate by 2 hours.
- Painkillers like diclofenac, ibuprofen and aceclofenac – higher risk of fits with quinolones.
- Warfarin – bleeding risk rises; INR may need checking.
- Steroids (prednisolone) – more tendon damage.
- Caffeine and theophylline (Deriphyllin) – levels rise, causing palpitations and restlessness.
Frequently asked questions
Norflox 400 before or after food?
Before food. Take norfloxacin one hour before or two hours after a meal with a full glass of water, and keep milk, curd, antacids and iron tablets at least two hours away.
Norflox vs Norflox TZ – what is the difference?
Norflox contains only norfloxacin, an antibiotic for bacterial infections. Norflox TZ adds tinidazole, which also treats amoebic and other parasite infections of the gut. Your doctor chooses based on the likely cause of the diarrhoea.
Can I take norfloxacin with alcohol?
It is best avoided. Alcohol worsens dizziness and dehydration during an infection, and if you are on the TZ combination it can cause a severe reaction.
Is norfloxacin good for loose motions?
Only when the diarrhoea is bacterial – for example with fever or blood in the stool – and a doctor prescribes it. Most loose motions are viral and need only ORS and fluids, not antibiotics.
How many days should I take Norbactin 400 for a urine infection?
Usually 3 days for a simple bladder infection in women and 7 to 10 days for more complicated infections, as your doctor decides. Finish the full course.
Is norfloxacin safe in pregnancy?
No. Quinolone antibiotics are avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor – safer antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin or cephalexin are usually used for urine infections.
Why does my doctor warn about tendon pain on norfloxacin?
Quinolone antibiotics can inflame or even rupture tendons, most often the Achilles tendon at the heel, sometimes within the first two days. Stop the tablet and see a doctor if you get pain or swelling at a tendon.
Is norfloxacin available without prescription in India?
No. It is a Schedule H antibiotic and should be sold only against a prescription. Using it for every bout of loose motions drives antibiotic resistance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Ciprofloxacin (nearest quinolone-class page) (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Ciprofloxacin (quinolone-class guidance) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms