PERTI 400MG TABLET

Indications

• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Intra-abdominal infections

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing recommendations.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines.

Mechanism of action

The bactericidal action of pefloxacin results from interference with the activity of the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed for the transcription and replication of bacterial DNA. DNA gyrase appears to be the primary quinolone target for gram-negative bacteria, while topoisomerase IV is the preferential target in gram-positive organisms. This interference results in strand breakage of the bacterial chromosome, supercoiling, and resealing, ultimately inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.

Pharmacodynamics

Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that possesses excellent activity against gram-negative aerobic bacteria such as E. coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as well as gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, it has effective activity against Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, gonococcal organisms, and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas and Enterobacter.

Pharmacokinetics

Pefloxacin is well-absorbed after oral administration and achieves peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It has a bioavailability of approximately 70-80%. The drug is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, and urine. Pefloxacin is primarily eliminated via renal excretion, with a half-life of about 6-8 hours. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Contra-indications

• History of hypersensitivity to pefloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
• Tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use
• Severe renal impairment

Adverse effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Tendon rupture
• QT interval prolongation

Interactions

• Concurrent use with antacids, sucralfate, or iron preparations may reduce absorption
• Caution with drugs that prolong the QT interval
• Ciprofloxacin may enhance the effects of warfarin

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
• Monitor for signs of tendon pain or inflammation
• Assess renal function prior to use and adjust dosage accordingly

Pregnancy

Pefloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as it is not well-studied in pregnant populations.

Breast-feeding

Pefloxacin is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Tablets: 400 mg
• Injection: 400 mg/100 mL

Mechanism of action

The bactericidal action of pefloxacin results from interference with the activity of the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed for the transcription and replication of bacterial DNA. DNA gyrase appears to be the primary quinolone target for gram-negative bacteria. Topoisomerase IV appears to be the preferential target in gram-positive organisms. Interference with these two topoisomerases results in strand breakage of the bacterial chromosome, supercoiling, and resealing. As a result DNA replication and transcription is inhibited.

Pharmacodynamics

Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Flouroquinolones such as pefloxacin possess excellent activity against gram-negative aerobic bacteria such as <i>E.coli</i> and <i>Neisseria gonorrhoea</i> as well as gram-positive bacteria including <i>S. pneumoniae</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. They also posses effective activity against shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, gonococcal organisms, and multi drug resistant pseudomonas and enterobacter.