The Basics
What is Norfloxacin?
Used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
Brand names for Norfloxacin
Noroxin
How Norfloxacin is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Quinolones, Fluoroquinolones
Norfloxacin During Pregnancy
Norfloxacin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Norfloxacin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Norfloxacin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Norfloxacin?
No information is available on the clinical use of norfloxacin during breastfeeding; however, amounts in breastmilk appear to be low. Fluoroquinolones such as norfloxacin have traditionally not been used in infants because of concern about adverse effects on the infants’ developing joints. However, recent studies indicate little risk.[1][2] In addition, the calcium in milk might prevent absorption of the small amounts of fluoroquinolones in milk,[3] but insufficient data exist to prove or disprove this assertion. The serum and milk levels and oral bioavailability of norfloxacin are the lowest of any of the fluoroquniolones, so the risk to the infant should be minimal. Use of norfloxacin is acceptable in nursing mothers with monitoring of the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of norfloxacin during breastfeeding; however, amounts in breastmilk appear to be low. Fluoroquinolones such as norfloxacin have traditionally not been used in infants because of concern about adverse effects on the infants’ developing joints. However, recent studies indicate little risk.[1][2] In addition, the calcium in milk might prevent absorption of the small amounts of fluoroquinolones in milk,[3] but insufficient data exist to prove or disprove this assertion. The serum and milk levels and oral bioavailability of norfloxacin are the lowest of any of the fluoroquniolones, so the risk to the infant should be minimal. Use of norfloxacin is acceptable in nursing mothers with monitoring of the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).
Possible effects of Norfloxacin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Norfloxacin
Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Gurpinar AN, Balkan E, Kilic N et al. The effects of a fluoroquinolone on the growth and development of infants. J Int Med Res. 1997;25:302-6. PMID: 9364293
2. van den Oever HL, Versteegh FG, Thewessen EA et al. Ciprofloxacin in preterm neonates: case report and review of the literature. Eur J Pediatr. 1998;157:843-5. PMID: 9809826
3. Fleiss PM. The effect of maternal medications on breast-feeding infants. J Hum Lact. 1992;8:7. Letter. PMID: 1558663
4. Takase Z, Shirafuji H, Uchida M. Basic and clinical studies on AM-715 in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo). 1981;29 (Suppl 4):697-704.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
