Pefloxacin: Difference between revisions

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'''Pefloxacin''' is a [[quinolone]] drug used to treat [[bacterial infections]]. It is a synthetic [[antibacterial agent]] and belongs to the group of [[fluoroquinolones]]. Pefloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against both [[Gram-positive]] and [[Gram-negative]] bacteria.
{{Short description|A fluoroquinolone antibiotic}}
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== Mechanism of Action ==
'''Pefloxacin''' is a [[fluoroquinolone]] [[antibiotic]] used to treat a variety of [[bacterial infections]]. It is a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent that is effective against a broad spectrum of [[Gram-positive]] and [[Gram-negative]] bacteria. Pefloxacin is particularly used in the treatment of [[urinary tract infections]], [[respiratory tract infections]], and [[gastrointestinal infections]].


Pefloxacin works by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes [[DNA gyrase]] and [[topoisomerase IV]], which are required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
==Pharmacology==
Pefloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial [[DNA gyrase]] and [[topoisomerase IV]], enzymes critical for [[DNA replication]] and [[transcription]]. This inhibition leads to the disruption of bacterial cell division and ultimately results in bacterial cell death. The drug is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.


== Uses ==
==Administration and Dosage==
Pefloxacin is typically administered orally in the form of tablets, but it can also be given intravenously in more severe cases. The dosage of pefloxacin depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's renal function. It is important for patients to complete the full course of the antibiotic to prevent the development of [[antibiotic resistance]].


Pefloxacin is used to treat severe and life-threatening bacterial infections such as [[pneumonia]], [[urinary tract infections]], [[gonorrhea]], and [[skin infections]]. It is also used in the treatment of [[tuberculosis]] when first-line drugs cannot be used.
==Side Effects==
Common side effects of pefloxacin include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[diarrhea]], and [[abdominal pain]]. Some patients may experience [[central nervous system]] effects such as [[headache]], [[dizziness]], and [[insomnia]]. Rare but serious side effects include [[tendonitis]] and [[tendon rupture]], particularly in older adults and those on concurrent [[corticosteroid]] therapy.


== Side Effects ==
==Contraindications==
Pefloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to [[quinolones]]. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of [[seizures]] or other central nervous system disorders. The use of pefloxacin in [[pregnancy]] and [[breastfeeding]] is generally not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.


Like all medicines, Pefloxacin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include [[nausea]], [[diarrhea]], [[vomiting]], and [[rash]]. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects like [[tendon rupture]], [[photosensitivity]], and [[QT prolongation]].
==Mechanism of Resistance==
Bacterial resistance to pefloxacin can occur through several mechanisms, including mutations in the genes encoding DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, as well as efflux pumps that expel the drug from bacterial cells. The development of resistance is a significant concern and underscores the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.


== Precautions ==
==Related pages==
 
* [[Fluoroquinolone]]
Pefloxacin should be used with caution in patients with a history of [[tendon disorders]] related to fluoroquinolone treatment. It should not be used in patients with a history of [[epilepsy]] or [[seizures]]. It should also be avoided in patients with known [[QT interval prolongation]] or patients who are taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval.
* [[Antibiotic resistance]]
 
* [[Bacterial infection]]
== Interactions ==
 
Pefloxacin may interact with other medications, including [[antacids]], [[iron salts]], [[multivitamins]], and [[didanosine]]. These interactions can affect the absorption of Pefloxacin and reduce its effectiveness.
 
== References ==
 
* [[MedlinePlus]]: Pefloxacin
* [[Drugs.com]]: Pefloxacin
* [[PubChem]]: Pefloxacin


[[Category:Fluoroquinolone antibiotics]]
[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Fluoroquinolones]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:13, 23 March 2025

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic


Pefloxacin
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Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent that is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Pefloxacin is particularly used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal infections.

Pharmacology[edit]

Pefloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes critical for DNA replication and transcription. This inhibition leads to the disruption of bacterial cell division and ultimately results in bacterial cell death. The drug is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.

Administration and Dosage[edit]

Pefloxacin is typically administered orally in the form of tablets, but it can also be given intravenously in more severe cases. The dosage of pefloxacin depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's renal function. It is important for patients to complete the full course of the antibiotic to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of pefloxacin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some patients may experience central nervous system effects such as headache, dizziness, and insomnia. Rare but serious side effects include tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in older adults and those on concurrent corticosteroid therapy.

Contraindications[edit]

Pefloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to quinolones. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or other central nervous system disorders. The use of pefloxacin in pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Mechanism of Resistance[edit]

Bacterial resistance to pefloxacin can occur through several mechanisms, including mutations in the genes encoding DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, as well as efflux pumps that expel the drug from bacterial cells. The development of resistance is a significant concern and underscores the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.

Related pages[edit]