Generic
Pefloxacin
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin, soft tissues, and lungs (pneumonia).
Description
Pefloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial agent belonging to the fluoroquinolone group. It exerts its action by inhibiting the subunit-A of DNA gyrase (Topoisomerase II). Pefloxacin is bactericidal and has a broad spectrum of activity.
Indications
- Gastrointestinal infections (enteric fever, acute bacterial diarrhea, chronic Salmonella carriers)
- Urinary tract infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, urethritis)
- Respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, empyema)
- Ear, nose, and throat infections (otitis media, otitis externa, sinusitis, tonsillitis)
- Bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis, arthritis)
- Skin and soft tissue infections (infected ulcer, wound infection, abscess, cellulitis, erysipelas, infected burn)
- Pelvic infections (salpingitis, endometritis, pelviperitonitis)
- Abdominal and hepatobiliary infections (peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess, cholangitis, cholecystitis)
- Septicemia, bacteremia, gonorrhea, endocarditis, meningitis
Therapeutic class
4-Quinolone preparations
Pharmacological class
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial that exhibits bactericidal action by inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed for bacterial DNA reproduction.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits DNA gyrase (Topoisomerase II) subunit-A, preventing bacterial DNA replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- General infections: 400 mg twice daily (every 12 hours)
- Acute uncomplicated cystitis (female): 800 mg single dose
- Gonococcal urethritis (male): 800 mg single dose (2 tablets)
- Hepatic impairment: Increase dosing intervals in severe hepatic insufficiency
Intravenous Dose:
- 400 mg in 100 or 250 mL of 5% dextrose slow infusion over 1 hour twice daily
Pediatric Dose: Contraindicated in children under 15 years.
Administration
- Take with food (to avoid gastrointestinal disturbances)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
- IV infusion should be given slowly (over 1 hour)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Epigastric pain
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Skin rash
- Pruritus
- Photosensitization
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid exposure to sunlight and UV radiation during treatment due to risk of photosensitivity reaction
- Dose readjustment required in severe hepatic insufficiency
- Inform patients of the possibility of Achilles tendon pain
- May affect driving ability
- Dose reduction may be required in kidney disease
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quinolones
- Children under 15 years
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- G6PD deficiency
- History of tendon lesion, tendonitis, or tendon rupture
Drug interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium hydroxide: Reduce pefloxacin absorption; avoid concurrent administration
- Didanosine (DDI), iron salts, pirenzepine, sucralfate, vincristine, zinc salts: Reduced absorption
- Cimetidine, probenecid, theophylline: Increased pefloxacin levels
- Cyclosporine: Increased cyclosporine levels
- Foscarnet, NSAIDs, piroxicam: Seizures
- Glimepiride: Hypoglycemia
- Quercetin: Antagonistic
Food interactions
Take with food for better absorption; alcohol consumption does not cause harmful side effects.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor. FDA Pregnancy Category C.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
Pediatric use
Contraindicated in children under 15 years.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; consult your doctor.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose reduction may be necessary in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution required in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed. Increase dosing intervals in severe hepatic insufficiency.
Overdose effects
Overdose manifestations are insufficiently defined. Treatment: symptomatic and supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pefloxacin