Antibacterial activity of norfloxacin in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats.
The capacities of norfloxacin (MK-0366) and neomycin to reduce the numbers of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats were evaluated. Results of a 3-day treatment with norfloxacin were compared with those of a 3-day treatment with neomycin. Both drugs significantly decreased gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Norfloxacin effected a significantly greater reduction in numbers of gram-negative bacteria than did neomycin. Norfloxacin also significantly increased the number of anaerobic bacteria. Although neomycin reduced gram-positive bacteria more effectively than did norfloxacin, this difference between the two drugs was not significant. Norfloxacin merits further study for potential as a bowel sterilant.
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D004064:Digestive System / Q000382:microbiology*; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D009268:Nalidixic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009355:Neomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D009643:Norfloxacin; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009268:Nalidixic Acid; D009355:Neomycin; D009643:Norfloxacin