Advertisements

Uriflox 400

Quick links to important sections

Uriflox 400

Advertisements
Advertisements

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Advertisements

Overview of Uriflox 400

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Norfloxacin
Form Film-coated tablet
Pharmacological Class Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
General Purpose Treatment of bacterial infections
Origin Synthetic (chemically synthesized)

Defining Uriflox 400: A Synthetic Fluoroquinolone

Uriflox 400 is an antibiotic medication containing the active ingredient Norfloxacin, which is chemically defined as 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-piperazin-1-ylquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. The drug is classified as a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent belonging to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. This compound is clinically recognized for its action against the pathogens responsible for common bacterial infections. Norfloxacin is specifically designated as a first-generation fluoroquinolone, providing coverage against various Gram-negative and select Gram-positive bacteria. The nature of this compound ensures the drug is generally a prescription-only (Rx) medication.


Composition, Form, and General Purpose

The medication is supplied as an oral dosage form, typically manufactured as a 400 mg film-coated tablet, with Norfloxacin as the sole active component. This makes Uriflox 400 a single-ingredient product, focusing therapeutic effort on the primary antimicrobial agent. The general purpose of the tablet is to resolve active bacterial infections, such as those affecting the urinary tract, by targeting and killing the causative bacteria. Norfloxacin achieves this function by acting as an inhibitor of essential bacterial enzymes—DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—an action that disrupts the synthesis and integrity of bacterial DNA. This process is inherently bactericidal, ensuring the direct elimination of the susceptible organisms, which is crucial for achieving clearance and resolution of the infection.

Regulatory References

  1. Norfloxacin – LiverTox
Advertisements

What side effects are possible with Uriflox 400?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is based on regulatory documentation from global health authorities. Side effects are officially classified by frequency and by the system or organ they affect.


Serious Adverse Reactions (Regulatory Warnings)

Norfloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is associated with a risk of serious and potentially disabling adverse reactions, which may occur soon after starting the medication and may be permanent. These include:

  • Tendon Problems: Inflammation (tendinitis) and rupture of tendons, most commonly the Achilles tendon. This risk is higher in older adults and those taking corticosteroids.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage (neuropathy) resulting in pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness, which may be irreversible.
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: Including seizures, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis.
  • Cardiac Effects: Prolongation of the QT interval, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms (Torsade de Pointes).
  • Hypersensitivity: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome).

Common and Uncommon Side Effects

Adverse reactions reported in regulatory sources are categorized by frequency:

Frequency Category Examples of Adverse Reactions (by SOC)
Common (1% to 10%) Nausea, Headache, Dizziness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%) Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Insomnia, Rash, Elevated Liver Enzymes
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%) Tendon rupture, Seizures, Psychotic reactions

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

  • Contraindications: Uriflox 400 is generally contraindicated in patients with a history of tendon disorder related to fluoroquinolones and in those with Myasthenia Gravis. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children. Use is restricted due to the potential risk of permanent damage to joints.
Advertisements

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose of Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is formally described in regulatory sources by a specific set of documented clinical manifestations. These presentations may include vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, dizziness, tinnitus, and convulsions. The official overdose profile highlights the potential for severe systemic injury in the event of significant poisoning. Regulatory documents state that acute renal failure and liver damage are possible outcomes.


Emergency Action and Supportive Care

Immediate medical attention is required following the ingestion of a potentially life-threatening dose. Urgent medical evaluation must be sought when signs of significant poisoning are suspected. Management of a Norfloxacin overdose is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. Regulatory procedures for acute overdose management may involve gastric decontamination, such as gastric lavage, and the administration of activated charcoal. Careful observation of the patient is required. Regulatory information notes that methods like dialysis or haemoperfusion are generally considered ineffective for drug removal.

Advertisements

Therapeutic Uses of Uriflox 400

What Uriflox 400 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is commonly used in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, particularly those conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort within the urinary tract. It is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to manage the resulting distress.

This medication may assist with managing the sharp physical discomfort related to inflammatory states, addressing symptom clusters that may become intense, such as the pain, burning, and urgency during urination. It is relevant for easing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, specifically when there is a frequent and urgent need to urinate, or when localized discomfort is present. This is generally used in situations involving symptomatic discomfort and applied when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed. This support contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.


Quick Fact
Relief for Pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination

Regulatory References

  1. Health Products Regulatory Authority product information
Advertisements

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is officially sanctioned for use in adult populations (generally 18 years of age and older). Eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on a patient's medical history and current physiological status.

Contraindicated Populations

The medicine must not be used by the following groups, as per regulatory labels:

  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to norfloxacin, any excipient, or any other quinolone/fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
  • Patients with a history of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with prior quinolone use.
  • Individuals with a known history of myasthenia gravis (due to the risk of exacerbation).
  • Children and growing adolescents (under 18 years of age) whose epiphyseal closure has not occurred, as safety and efficacy are not established in this group.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women according to major European regulatory guidance. US labeling, classified as Category C, permits use only when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Organ Function: Patients with severely impaired renal function (Creatinine Clearance le 30 mL/min/1.73 m^2) are eligible only if the dose is formally adjusted. Use requires caution in older adults, patients with CNS disorders (such as epilepsy), those with a history of organ transplant, or those receiving concurrent corticosteroid therapy.

Advertisements

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is structured around documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic constraints. These findings necessitate specific avoidance rules and mandatory timing separation, as stated in regulatory documents.

Mandatory Separation and Absorption Interference

Co-administration with products containing polyvalent cations causes a decrease in Norfloxacin absorption. To maintain adequate drug exposure, substances such as Antacids, Iron, Zinc supplements, Sucralfate, and Multivitamins must be separated from Uriflox 400 administration by at least two hours before or two hours after the dose. Similarly, dairy products and oral nutritional solutions require a separation of at least one hour before or two hours after.

Drug-Drug Interactions and Restrictions

  • Contraindicated Combinations: Co-administration with Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics must be avoided due to the officially documented risk of additive QTc interval prolongation. Use with Fenbufen is also advised to be avoided due to the risk of convulsions.
  • Altered Clearance: Norfloxacin may enhance the effects of oral anticoagulants like Warfarin by inhibiting its hepatic metabolism. It also interferes with the metabolism of substances such as Theophylline and Caffeine, potentially resulting in their reduced clearance and prolonged effects. Reports of elevated Ciclosporin serum levels are also noted.
  • Pharmacodynamic Risks: Co-administration with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of CNS stimulation. The risk of hypoglycemia when combined with anti-diabetes agents like Glyburide is officially reported to occur most often in elderly patients with diabetes.
Advertisements

Mechanism of Action

How Uriflox 400 Works

Molecular Targeting of Bacterial DNA Enzymes

Uriflox 400, containing Norfloxacin, exerts its effect by acting as a specific inhibitor of two bacterial enzymes, DNA Gyrase (Topoisomerase II) and Topoisomerase IV, which are critical for genetic management. The molecule binds to and stabilizes the complex formed by these enzymes and the bacterial DNA. This interaction physically blocks the essential processes of DNA replication, repair, and separation.

Initiation of Bactericidal Cascade

The consequence of blocking these enzymes is the induction of double-stranded DNA breaks within the bacterial cell genome that resist typical bacterial repair mechanisms. The resulting genomic damage is bactericidal—it triggers the rapid disintegration and death of the susceptible bacteria, setting off a cascade from molecular disruption to cellular destruction.

Systemic Pathogen Reduction

The physiological result of this bactericidal action is the reduction in the overall viable pathogen burden within the body's affected fluid compartments. The reduction of these foreign cells is the final observed systemic consequence of the drug's targeted inhibition mechanism.

Advertisements

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration and Dosing Protocol

Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) is exclusively intended for oral administration as a 400 mg film-coated tablet. The medicine is prescribed according to specific, fixed dosing regimens and administration rules defined in official product labeling.

Official Administration Guidelines

Administration Scope Official Label-Based Instruction
Route of administration Oral, using the film-coated tablet formulation.
Dosing schedule Standard adult dose is 400 mg per administration. A single dose of 800 mg is used for certain acute courses.
Frequency and Schedule Typically administered twice daily (every 12 hours) for multi-day courses, but reduced to 400 mg once daily for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance le 30 mL/min).
Timing in relation to meals Must be taken at least one hour before or two hours after a meal, milk, or other dairy products to ensure proper drug absorption.
Special conditions The tablet must be swallowed whole with sufficient fluid, such as a full glass of water. It should be taken at least two hours before or four hours after ingesting antacids, iron, zinc, or sucralfate.

Use Patterns and Duration

The full course of treatment can range from a short-term course, such as 3 days for uncomplicated usage patterns, up to 4 to 6 weeks for patterns like chronic bacterial prostatitis. Consistent daily timing is generally recommended. If a dose is missed, the standard instruction is to skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose, strictly prohibiting the doubling of a dose to compensate. No dosage adjustment is required for older adults unless there is coexisting severe kidney impairment.

Advertisements

Recent Clinical Evidence

Uriflox 400: Recent Clinical Evidence


Research on Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Research exploring Norfloxacin (the active ingredient in Uriflox 400) for acute, uncomplicated UTIs primarily involves short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies typically included healthy adult women and aimed to measure changes in symptoms and track measurements of the bacteria causing the infection. Findings describe patterns related to symptom change and bacterial status observed during the defined study periods.

For complicated UTIs, studies included diverse groups of adults, such as older adults or those with underlying conditions. A key limitation for this indication is the heterogeneity (variability) in how different trials defined a "complicated UTI," which can limit comparison across research.


Preventive Use and Long-Term Research

Research has been conducted exploring Norfloxacin for the primary prevention of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) in specific, high-risk adult patients with advanced cirrhosis (severe liver disease). These studies used long-term observation periods and examined measured endpoints such as all-cause mortality and the incidence of a first SBP episode.

Studies for acute infections typically explore short-term changes, and the follow-up durations were limited to several weeks post-treatment. The evidence for long-term effects, particularly concerning the durability of microbiological status, is not fully established.


Research Landscape and Limitations

Evidence highlights that what is still uncertain includes the impact of increasing antimicrobial resistance and the inconsistency observed in outcome definitions across various UTI trials. Data for many other groups, such as pediatric populations, remain insufficient, and the results apply only to the populations studied. Research provides context but not individual predictions, and findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. Review of Norfloxacin in Complicated and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (Evidence for complicated UTI and older adults)
  2. Public Assessment Report for paediatric studies submitted in accordance with Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No1901/2006 (Evidence for pediatric/special populations)
Advertisements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Uriflox 400 (FAQ)


Q: Does Uriflox 400 start working immediately after taking the first pill?

A: Official pharmacokinetic data describes how the drug works within the body. It indicates that the medicine’s concentration reaches its highest level in the bloodstream, known as peak plasma concentration, about one to two hours after a dose is administered. This indicates the point when the drug's concentration is highest in the bloodstream for systemic availability.


Q: Can taking Uriflox 400 cause sun sensitivity or sunburn easily?

A: Regulatory documents list photosensitivity and phototoxicity reactions as possible adverse effects. This means that while taking this medicine, the skin may be more sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet light, such as that from tanning beds. This risk generally prompts statements in official information about reducing sun exposure.


Q: Does Uriflox 400 have an effect on the 'good' bacteria in the gut?

A: As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, official documents describe the drug's action as killing susceptible bacteria. This process may potentially disrupt the natural balance of micro-organisms in the gut. This action is consistent with reported adverse effects such as diarrhea or, less commonly, colitis, which are officially attributed to such microbial disruption.


Q: What are the components of Uriflox 400 besides the active ingredient?

A: Regulatory documents list the active component, Norfloxacin, along with various inactive ingredients (excipients). These excipients are essential for manufacturing the tablet form and typically include components such as binders, fillers, and coating materials, as required for the tablet's formulation.


Q: Is Uriflox 400 known to interact with caffeine?

A: Yes, official documents describe that the active ingredient can interfere with the metabolism of caffeine. This interference could potentially lead to reduced clearance and prolonged effects of caffeine in the body, which is a documented interaction.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided while on Uriflox 400?

A: Official administration instructions detail that separation of the medicine from certain intake is necessary to ensure proper absorption. This includes taking Uriflox 400 away from dairy products (like milk) and meals. Similarly, official documentation specifies that separation of the dose from substances containing polyvalent cations, such as iron or zinc supplements, is required.


Q: Can Uriflox 400 affect sleep patterns?

A: Official safety documents list insomnia and sleep disturbances as uncommon adverse reactions reported for the medication. These are included in the overall adverse reaction profile.


Q: Is Uriflox 400 considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic?

A: Yes. Official documents classify the active ingredient, Norfloxacin, as a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. This classification reflects its documented activity against a range of bacteria, including various Gram-negative and certain Gram-positive types of bacteria.


Q: What is the official regulatory status of Uriflox 400 in [country name, e.g., the EU]?

A: According to official documentation in the regions where it is approved, the medicine is classified as an oral-route prescription-only medicine (POM). This legal status means the medication is restricted for dispensing and use without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.


Q: What is the half-life of Uriflox 400 described as in regulatory documents?

A: The official pharmacokinetic description of Uriflox 400 states that the elimination half-life is typically between three and four hours. The half-life is the scientifically measured time required for the amount of active drug in the body to be reduced by half.

Advertisements

How should Uriflox 400 be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Conditions for Uriflox 400

The storage of Uriflox 400 (Norfloxacin) tablets must adhere strictly to regulatory conditions to preserve its stability. The medication must be kept at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Tablets must be stored in their original container, tightly closed, and in a dry place to protect them from moisture and excessive heat. For safety, the product must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused tablets should not be flushed down a sink or toilet. The preferred method for disposal is utilizing a local drug take-back program. If a take-back program is unavailable, the tablets should be mixed with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds or dirt, sealed in a bag, and then placed in the household trash, following government guidelines for medicine disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Equivalent of Uriflox 400 found in:

A-Z Index: