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ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANTIBACTERIALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › QUINOLONE ANTIBACTERIALS › Fluoroquinolones
pefloxacin
J01MA03
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 400 mg
- Injection: 400 mg/10 mL
- Oral solution: 400 mg/10 mL
Adult Dosing
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 400 mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days
- Complicated urinary tract infections: 400 mg every 12 hours for 14 days
- Respiratory tract infections: 400-800 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
- Skin and soft tissue infections: 400-800 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended for children under 18 years due to potential musculoskeletal adverse effects
- Should only be used in children when no other treatment options are available
Indications
- Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication
- Interferes with bacterial cell division and growth
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pefloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children under 18 years due to potential musculoskeletal adverse effects
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Central nervous system: dizziness, headache, insomnia, seizures
- Musculoskeletal: tendonitis, tendon rupture, arthralgia
- Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis
Drug Interactions
- Theophylline: increased theophylline levels
- Caffeine: increased caffeine levels
- Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect
- Cyclosporine: increased cyclosporine levels
- Didanosine: decreased didanosine absorption
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use