Pexacin

Indications

Pefloxacin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections when a doctor judges it suitable, mainly urinary tract infections and typhoid fever, and sometimes infections of the chest, bones, joints, gut or skin. It does not work against viral infections such as colds and flu.

How It Works

It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It blocks enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their genetic material, so the bacteria cannot multiply and are killed.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 400 mg twice a day, taken with meals, for the number of days prescribed.
• Finish the full course even if you feel better.
• Drink plenty of water while taking it.
• The injection form is given in hospital by a doctor or nurse.
• Not for children or growing teenagers unless a specialist prescribes it.

Interactions

• Antacids, and supplements or medicines containing iron, zinc, calcium or magnesium, reduce its absorption; take Pefloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after them.
• It can increase the effect of Theophylline and Warfarin.
• Taking it with NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen may increase the risk of fits.
• Steroids such as Prednisolone raise the risk of tendon damage.
• Use with care with other medicines that affect heart rhythm.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Pefloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic (such as Ciprofloxacin).
• Past tendon problems caused by a quinolone.
• Children and growing teenagers.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Epilepsy, unless a doctor decides otherwise.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and skin that burns easily in sunlight.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you have pain or swelling in a tendon (often the back of the ankle), severe or bloody diarrhoea, an allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rash), fits, fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat, numbness, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, sudden severe chest, belly or back pain, or confusion and unusual mood changes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor can choose a safer antibiotic.

Precautions and Warnings

Avoid strong sunlight and sunlamps during treatment and for a few days after; use sun protection. Use with care in older people, in people with kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm problems, diabetes or G6PD deficiency. It may cause dizziness, so do not drive if affected. Avoid hard exercise if you notice any tendon pain.

Overdose

Too much can cause dizziness, confusion, vomiting and fits. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.