Influence of norfloxacin on blood coagulation in children

There have been reports of hemorrhagic manifestations associated with the administration of antibiotics, mainly beta-lactams recently introduced into the market. During the course of a clinical study to assess the safety of a new quinolone, norfloxacin (NFLX) in children, we investigated the drug's influence on blood coagulation and platelet functions. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was measured in seven pediatric patients from 6 months ‘to 10 years’ old being treated with NFLX. The mean values were 51.0±13.1% before administration and 63.8±17.2% during the treatment, showing an improvement in platelet function differing from cases commonly treated with other oral antibacterials. In parallel, tests on blood coagulation and PIVKA II were performed, and no abnormalities caused by NFLX were observed. Our results suggest that NFLX in children has less adverse effect on the normal function of hemostasis and blood coagulation.