Pefloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. A synthetic broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent active against most gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
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.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in males and for gram-negative-bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal system and the genitourinary tract.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C17H20FN3O3 · 333.3574 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- Pefloxacine · PFLX
Resolves to
FHFYDNQZQSQIAI-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCN1C=C(C(O)=O)C(=O)C2=CC(F)=C(C=C12)N1CCN(C)CC1What you can answer from here — as of September 29, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Pefloxacin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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