[The duration of the effect of norfloxacin on the fecal flora in cirrhosis patients].

Abstract

The aim of the study has been to assess if intermittent treatment with norfloxacin could be able to maintain selective intestinal decontamination in cirrhotic patients in order to prevent bacterial infections. Group I (n = 10, subgroup Ia, n = 5, hospitalized cirrhotics, subgroup Ib, n = 5, outpatient cirrhotics) received 400 mg/24 h norfloxacin 7 days. Group II (n = 5, outpatient cirrhotics) received 400 mg/12 h norfloxacin 7 days. Gram-negative aerobic bacilli of the fecal floral were strongly suppressed in all patients at the end of the treatment, and they totally (Group I) or partially (Group II) recovered the initial concentrations 7 days after the end of the treatment. There were not significant differences between subgroups Ia and Ib. These results suggest that prophylactic treatment with norfloxacin in cirrhotic patients at high risk of infection should be continuous during the period in whom patients must be submitted to selective intestinal decontamination.

• Authors: G Soriano, C Guarner, A Tomás, A Anguera, B Mirelis, C Fernández, M Herrero, C Alonso, F Vilardell
• Journal: Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva (Rev Esp Enferm Dig) Vol. 81 Issue 5 Pg. 322-6 (May 1992) ISSN: 1130-0108 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Duración del efecto de la norfloxacina sobre la flora fecal en pacientes cirróticos.
• PMID: 1616740 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Norfloxacin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Drug Evaluation
• Feces (microbiology)
• Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria (drug effects, isolation & purification)
• Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis (complications, microbiology)
• Norfloxacin (administration & dosage)
• Time Factors