Абактал

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Абактал

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Method of action: Bactericidal

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Абактал

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Pefloxacin (as Pefloxacin mesilate)
Form Oral tablets, Sterile liquid solution (for IV)
Pharmacological class Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (Third Generation)
General purpose Antiinfective agent against bacterial pathogens
Origin Synthetic (chemotherapeutic agent)

What Type of Antiinfective is Абактал?

The medicine associated with the name Абактал is a synthetic, single-ingredient agent containing the active substance Pefloxacin. It is categorized as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, a class of chemotherapeutic agents known for their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria. Pefloxacin is specifically recognized as a third-generation fluoroquinolone, distinguishing itself by its enhanced efficacy against a wide and diverse array of bacterial pathogens throughout the body. The substance is categorized as an antibacterial suitable for systemic administration, highlighting its role in fighting infections. This underscores the drug’s fundamental purpose to function as a potent antiinfective that directly addresses the source of systemic bacterial illnesses.

Composition and Available Forms of Pefloxacin

The entire therapeutic effect of Абактал is delivered by the active compound Pefloxacin, typically prepared as the Pefloxacin mesilate salt. As a purely synthetic agent, it is manufactured in a laboratory setting to achieve precise and targeted action. A differentiating feature of Pefloxacin is its versatile presentation, being available both as an oral tablet for ingestion, which uses a solid excipient matrix, and as a sterile liquid formulation intended for intravenous (IV) administration, utilizing a sterile aqueous base as its vehicle. This dual-form availability is clinically recognized for facilitating necessary changes in patient treatment regimens.

General Purpose: Why Use a Fluoroquinolone?

The general utility of this medicine stems from its powerful, bactericidal effect, which means it actively kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth. This action is achieved through the inhibition of the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are vital for the replication and repair of bacterial DNA. This specific mechanism is clinically recognized as highly effective in rapidly interrupting the multiplication of bacterial cells. This ability to fundamentally disrupt the genetic processes of susceptible organisms defines the drug’s general purpose: to robustly clear and resolve widespread or deep-seated bacterial infections, such as those that affect the urinary tract or respiratory system.

What side effects are possible with Абактал?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The antibiotic Абактал (Ciprofloxacin) is associated with officially documented adverse reactions that affect multiple body systems. Regulatory authorities have issued a Boxed Warning highlighting the risk of serious, disabling, and potentially irreversible adverse reactions.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Concerns

The most critical warnings involve the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing pain, burning, tingling, or numbness), and Central Nervous System (CNS) effects (including anxiety, confusion, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation). These reactions can occur within hours or weeks of starting the drug and may be permanent.

Other serious safety concerns include:

  • Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis (avoid use in patients with a known history).
  • Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection.
  • Prolongation of the QT interval (a heart rhythm abnormality).
  • Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions.
  • Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea.

General Adverse Reactions and Patient Groups

Common side effects typically include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Headache and dizziness are also frequently reported.

The risk of serious tendon problems is higher in patients over 60 years of age, those with a history of organ transplantation, and those taking corticosteroids. Pediatric patients have an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Discontinuation is required immediately at the first sign of any serious adverse reaction to prevent further potential harm.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The regulatory information mandates immediate action should an overdose of Pefloxacin (the active substance in Абактал) be suspected or confirmed. Individuals must seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor immediately. This urgency is driven by the potential for severe, documented manifestations affecting the central nervous system (CNS).

Documented presentations of overdose include signs of CNS excitation, such as seizures (convulsions), confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, dizziness, and muscle tremors. Gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and vomiting, are also noted as potential accompanying symptoms in overdose situations.

Due to the documented risk of cardiotoxicity associated with this drug class, specifically QT interval prolongation, ECG monitoring should be undertaken as part of the official management protocol. This monitoring addresses the potential for serious outcomes, including ventricular arrhythmias.

Management procedures, as described in the official label, require the implementation of symptomatic treatment and supportive care measures to address the clinical presentation. It is officially stated that no specific antidote is known for Pefloxacin overdose. Therefore, emergency medical attention is required to manage the potential severity of the manifestations and to provide mandated monitoring.

Therapeutic Uses of Абактал

Абактал is utilized to assist in the management of a range of confirmed bacterial infections, which helps in the symptomatic relief associated with these conditions. It is indicated for use in adult patients and, where appropriate, pediatric patients for specific bacterial infections. These may include conditions affecting the urinary tract (such as cystitis and pyelonephritis), the respiratory system (including some instances of pneumonia), and infections of the skin and soft tissues, bones and joints. The drug may also be used in clinical scenarios involving infectious diarrhea and certain intra-abdominal infections, often in combination with other treatments. The primary patient benefit is the ability to address the underlying bacterial cause of the illness. Healthcare providers generally reserve this medicine for use when other treatment options may not be suitable, due to the need to maintain its effectiveness against susceptible bacteria.

Quick Fact: Supports Management of Bacterial Skin Infections

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official regulatory eligibility profile for Абактал (Pefloxacin) strictly defines who may use the medicine through a list of absolute contraindications and conditional use requirements.

Populations Excluded from Use

Use of Pefloxacin is contraindicated and must be avoided for the following patient groups, as stated in official government labeling:

  • Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy to Pefloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic.
  • Tendon Damage History: Patients with a history of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with previous use of a fluoroquinolone.
  • Age Restriction: Children and growing adolescents (typically under 18 years of age) due to potential risk to the joints.
  • Reproductive Status: Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
  • Comorbid Conditions: Patients with a history of myasthenia gravis or Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Populations Requiring Conditional Use

The medicine may only be used with special caution or is not recommended in the following cases, often requiring regulatory-mandated adjustments:

  • Organ Function: Patients with severe hepatic insufficiency or renal impairment (conditional use requires dosage restriction).
  • Older Adults: Patients over 60 years of age due to an elevated risk of severe tendon disorders.
  • High-Risk Groups: Organ transplant recipients or patients taking corticosteroids (co-administration may be avoided or restricted due to heightened risk of tendon injury).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define the interaction profile of Pefloxacin (Абактал) through distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic patterns.


Documented Interaction Patterns

  • Exposure Reduction via Chelation: The absorption of Pefloxacin is significantly reduced when co-administered with multivalent cations, including iron salts, zinc salts, aluminum, and magnesium found in certain antacids. This necessitates a mandatory timing separation of at least two hours between Pefloxacin and these cationic agents, as required by regulatory labeling. Substances such as Sucralfate and Strontium also require this timing constraint.

  • Metabolic Inhibition: Pefloxacin causes a decreased hepatic metabolism for co-administered drugs like Theophylline and Caffeine, leading to a risk of increased plasma levels for these agents. This pharmacokinetic interaction necessitates caution and appropriate monitoring.

  • Pharmacodynamic Reinforcement: Co-administration with oral anti-coagulants (e.g., Warfarin) is documented to enhance the anti-coagulant effect, requiring regulatory constraints such as regular INR monitoring. Furthermore, the combination with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) excitation.

  • Interaction Restrictions: The concurrent use of Pefloxacin with systemic Corticosteroids is officially advised to be avoided due to the increased risk of tendon injury. Regulatory notes also indicate that Antineoplastic drugs and Rifampicin are documented to decrease serum levels of Pefloxacin.

Mechanism of Action

How Abaktal Works

Abaktal ( pefloxacin) is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic that operates via bacterial cell lysis and DNA degradation following enzyme inhibition.


Inhibiting DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV

Abaktal's primary mechanistic domain involves the targeted inhibition of two bacterial enzymes: DNA gyrase ( Topoisomerase II) and Topoisomerase IV. These enzymes catalyze the management of the bacterial DNA's three-dimensional structure, which includes unwinding the helix for replication and separating the daughter chromosomes. The drug binds to the enzyme-DNA complex, effectively stabilizing the complex after DNA strand cleavage. This action prevents the re-ligation of the cut strands, causing the accumulation of unrepaired** double-stranded breaks (DSBs) within the bacterial genome.


Triggering Terminal Bacterial Cellular Disintegration

This upstream enzyme inhibition triggers a downstream mechanistic cascade that results in the complete arrest of bacterial cellular processes. The irreparable DNA damage modifies regulatory feedback mechanisms and forces the bacteria to cease functions like replication and transcription, ultimately triggering the molecular signaling cascade associated with terminal bacterial cellular disintegration. This mechanism results in the inhibition of multiple bacterial strains and defines the drug's spectrum of antimicrobial activity through direct interference with DNA processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Абактал (Pefloxacin)

The use of Pefloxacin is defined by guidelines detailing the route, dosage, timing, and patient-specific adjustments.

Administration Scope

Feature Official Guideline
Route of administration Oral (film-coated tablets) and Intravenous (IV) Infusion (sterile solution).
Dosing schedule Standard Adult Dose: 400 mg twice daily. Loading Dose: 800 mg single dose; 800 mg single-dose for certain uncomplicated infections.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Oral tablets must be taken with meals or immediately following food to minimize gastrointestinal effects.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) IV Solution: Requires specific dilution (e.g., with 5% glucose) and is incompatible with solutions containing chloride ions.
Age-group administration rules Older Adults (over 65): Reduced to 400 mg per day. Pediatric Use: Generally not recommended for children and growing adolescents.
Special procedural conditions Hepatic Impairment: Dosing interval must be extended based on severity (e.g., once every 24 to 48 hours). Mineral Separation: Oral doses must be separated from antacids or iron/zinc supplements by 2 to 4 hours. IV Rate: Must be infused slowly over a minimum of 60 minutes.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Guideline
Administration method type Systemic (Oral and Intravenous).
Frequency pattern Twice-daily for multi-day maintenance; Single for initial and short-course use.
Basis of use Standard clinical and pharmaceutical documentation.
Use-context constraints Requires precise timing with meals and separation from mineral compounds, alongside mandatory adjustment for organ function.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • Determine the appropriate administration route and initiate treatment with either a loading dose or the standard 400 mg twice-daily regimen.
  • For oral use, ensure the dose is taken with food and strictly separated from antacids or mineral supplements.
  • For IV infusion, the solution must be diluted and administered slowly over at least 60 minutes by a qualified professional.

Connection to the overall use protocol (2–4 sentences): The official instructions establish a structured protocol that controls the concentration of the medicine in the body by mandating specific timing and administration conditions. This framework ensures appropriate drug levels by requiring mandatory procedural adjustments to the dosing interval when a patient's liver or kidney function is impaired.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Абактал

Evidence for Use in Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

Research exploring Pefloxacin was evaluated in studies involving adult women with acute lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). This evidence primarily comes from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses that combine data from multiple studies. These studies were designed to monitor and evaluate physical discomfort outcomes related to inflammatory or irritative states and the clearance of the original bacterial pathogen observed during the study period. Specific short-course and single-dose administration schedules were evaluated in the studies.

The RCTs conducted for UTIs reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and findings generally described patterns observed in the studies that were consistent with the reported outcomes of the comparator antibiotics used in the trials. However, data are still emerging regarding the current effectiveness of Pefloxacin against certain bacteria, as resistance patterns can change over time. Furthermore, the follow-up durations were limited in some trials, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes.


Research on Systemic and Deep-Seated Bacterial Infections

Studies explored patient populations with a broad range of more widespread or deep-seated bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory system, the skin and soft tissues, and bone or joints. These scenarios primarily involved Comparative Clinical Trials and RCTs where Pefloxacin was evaluated in adult patients alongside other antimicrobial agents. Findings from these studies described patterns observed in the trials related to clinical success and microbiological eradication of the causative bacteria.

The research landscape in this broad area is considered heterogeneous, as many of the core studies examining the use of Pefloxacin in these deep-seated infections are older. Regulatory guidance has indicated that, based on comprehensive reviews of the fluoroquinolone drug class, research suggests its use may be prioritized in clinical scenarios where other treatments are not suitable. Evidence comparing Pefloxacin to common, contemporary antibiotics is limited in some areas, particularly in the form of large-scale RCTs.


What the Research Landscape Still Leaves Uncertain

Because the follow-up durations were limited in many studies, there is a substantial evidence gap concerning the long-term impact on patients’ daily functioning. Subgroup findings are uncertain, and data for certain groups, such as those with significant co-existing health issues, are often extrapolated from general adult populations. For niche conditions like chronic bacterial prostatitis, the level of confidence is low due to the small size and specialized nature of the trials.

Key Studies & References

  1. Fluoroquinolones: restrictions on use (BASG/EU regulatory guidance on class-wide restrictions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Абактал (FAQ)


Q: What should I do if I forget a dose of Абактал?

A: Official guidelines typically describe that if a dose is missed, it is generally to be taken as soon as it is remembered, unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose is omitted. The product information includes a warning that a double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed one.


Q: Why do official sources sometimes recommend avoiding sunlight while taking Абактал?

A: Official regulatory warnings describe that the medication is associated with a need to limit exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. This caution is due to the risk of photosensitivity, which means an increased skin sensitivity to light, an effect noted in the official product information.


Q: What is the official safety classification for Абактал?

A: Абактал, which contains Pefloxacin, is categorized as a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent. According to official documents, the drug class is often subject to a Boxed Warning that highlights the serious and potentially irreversible nature of certain adverse reactions.


Q: What happens if someone accidentally stops taking Абактал too soon?

A: Regulatory documents state that it is critical that the full course of antibiotic treatment be completed, even if the symptoms of the infection have started to improve. Regulatory information indicates that not completing the full treatment course could be associated with a risk of infection recurrence or the development of bacterial resistance.


Q: Does alcohol use affect the safety or effectiveness of Абактал?

A: Official product information typically describes the interaction between this medicine and alcohol as either unknown or not established through clinical trials. Official guidance emphasizes the importance of discussion with a healthcare professional regarding any potential risks before consuming alcohol while using this medicine.


Q: Can Абактал be taken by people with diabetes?

A: Official warnings for the fluoroquinolone drug class often include precautions about the risk of blood glucose disturbances, which can manifest as either high or low blood sugar. Regulatory bodies note that specific blood sugar monitoring may be appropriate for individuals with diabetes while using the medication.


Q: How long does Абактал stay in the body after the last dose?

A: According to official pharmacokinetic data, Pefloxacin has an elimination half-life of approximately 8 to 11 hours in people with normal kidney and liver function. This refers to the time it takes for half of the active drug to be cleared from the body. Most of the medication is generally eliminated within 2 to 3 days after the final dose.


Q: Is Абактал a prescription-only medicine?

A: Pefloxacin is regulated by government authorities as a prescription-only medication. This designation means it is intended for use under the medical guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

How should Абактал be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Abactal (Pefloxacin)

Official regulatory guidelines define specific conditions to maintain the stability of Abactal 400 mg tablets over their 36-month shelf life. The medicine must be stored at a temperature below 30 C and requires protection from direct sunlight. To ensure container integrity and light protection, the tablets must remain in the blisters in the provided carton.


Child Safety and Disposal

It is officially required that Abactal be kept out of the reach of children. Regarding disposal, any unused medicinal product or waste material must be discarded in accordance with local requirements established by regional regulatory bodies.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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