Pefloxacin

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.

Mechanism of Action

Pefloxacin works by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.

Uses

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

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.

Precautions

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.

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

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