Double-blind, randomized clinical trial for safety and efficacy of norfloxacin for shigellosis in children.

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of norfloxacin were compared with nalidixic acid in the treatment of shigellosis in children. Out of 59 cases, Shigella spp. were isolated from 8 cases in the nalidixic acid group and 14 cases in the norfloxacin group. The norfloxacin group had significantly less duration of diarrhoea and presence of blood in stool as compared to the nalidixic acid group. No joint problem was encountered in this study at up to 4 months follow-up. Norfloxacin is safe and effective and showed no cartilage toxicity on short-term follow-up.