Pefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and bacterial growth. Developed in the 1980s as part of the second generation of fluoroquinolones, pefloxacin offered broader antibacterial activity and improved pharmacokinetics compared to earlier quinolones. It became widely used due to its effectiveness against Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria, though side effects like tendonitis, gastrointestinal upset, and rare neurological issues require careful monitoring.
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