A review of worldwide clinical trials with norfloxacin in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as our personal experience with 215 assessable patients, is presented. Almost all patients received 400 mg b.i.d. for 3-15 days. Bacteriological eradication (10(4) CFU/ml of urine or less) was achieved in more than 90% of patients. Short-term therapy (3 days) with norfloxacin proved to be as effective and tolerable as a 10- to 14-day conventional therapeutic schedule in the treatment of lower uncomplicated UTIs. Overall incidence of drug-related adverse experiences was 2.3%.