Pefloxacin

Indications

Pefloxacin is used for: Susceptible infections, Gonococcal urethritis, Acute uncomplicated cystitis

Adult Dose

Oral Susceptible infections Adult: 400 mg bid. Acute uncomplicated cystitis in women; Gonococcal urethritis in men Adult: 800 mg as single dose. IV Influsion Adult: 400 mg in 100 or 250 ml of 5% dextrose slow infusion over an hour bid.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be necessary.

Administration

Should be taken with food. Take w/ meals.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to quinolones, children <12 yr, pregnancy, lactation.

Precautions

Underlying CNS disease; hepatic disease; renal impairment. Avoid sun exposure, may cause severe sunburn.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Reduced absorption with antacids, didanosine (DDI), iron salts, pirenzepine, sucralfate, vincristine, zinc salts; increased levels with cimetidine, probenecid, theophylline; increases the levels of cyclosporine; causes seizures with foscarnet, NSAIDs, piroxicam; hypoglycemia with glimeperide; antagonistic with quercetin.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Pefloxacin : Nausea, vomiting, gastric pain, dizziness, insomnia, allergic skin reactions, thrombocytopaenia, leukopenia/neutropenia, photosensitisation, arthropathy, muscular pain, headache, delusions, depression, hallucinations, hepatic dysfunction.

Mechanism of Action

Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial that exhibits its bactericidal action by inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV which are needed for bacterial DNA reproduction.