Clinical and bacteriological assessment of the efficacy and safety of norfloxacin in the treatment and prophelaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection in women

ABSTRACT

Twenty female patients, mean age 54, with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) were treated with Norfloxacin 400 mg orally every 12h for 1 week in uncomplicated cases and for 3 weeks in complicated cases. Thereafter, prophylaxis with Norfloxacin 400 mg at bedtime was given for six months. At the end of the prophylaxis period the patients were followed up for six additional months with monthly urine cultures. Escherichia coli was the commonest uropathogen isolated in 85% of patients. Klebsiellla aerobacter was found in the remaining 15%. All symptoms and clinical findings disappeared after the first week of therapy. Urine cultures remained negative throughout the treatment period. During follow-up 16 patients (80%) remained clinically and bacteriologically cured. The infections recurred in four patients (20%). three patients were suppressed only and urine cultures yielded Escherichia coli again. The fourth one was considered a reinfection due to Klebsiella aerobacter. All four isolates continued being sensitive to Norfloxacin. No drug-related side effects were detected. We conclude that Norfloxacin is an excellent and safe alternative in the treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent UTI in women