Can norfloxacin capsules treat sore throat (pharyngitis)?

Norfloxacin capsules—also commonly known as “Fupaisuan”—are a quinolone-class antibacterial agent. They exhibit particularly high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacilli and are primarily indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, including urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, prostatitis, intestinal infections, typhoid fever, and other Salmonella infections—demonstrating good therapeutic efficacy, especially for urinary and gastrointestinal infections.

However, quinolones are generally not used to treat sore throat (pharyngitis). Their antibacterial spectrum is poorly suited for upper respiratory tract infections—including pharyngitis—and they offer limited efficacy in such cases. For mild upper respiratory tract infections—such as uncomplicated sore throat with unclear bacterial etiology—we may consider using certain traditional Chinese patent medicines.

Conversely, when a bacterial infection is clearly diagnosed and clinically severe, antibiotics are warranted. In such instances, penicillin-class or cephalosporin-class antibiotics are typically preferred due to their superior efficacy. Quinolones have minimal effectiveness against pharyngitis and should not be used indiscriminately: they carry the risk of cartilage damage—particularly in children—and thus their use must be approached with caution.