Abaktal – indications, contraindications, side effects

Abaktal is a systemic antibacterial agent. A chemotherapeutic drug used to treat bacterial infections. It is recommended in the treatment of infections of the respiratory system, urinary system, bones and joints. The active substance is pefloxacin. Abaktal in the form of film-coated tablets is available on prescription.

Abaktal, Producer: Sandoz / Lek Polska

Abaktal indications for use

Abaktal is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat infections caused by pefloxacin-sensitive microorganisms, such as:

1. respiratory tract infections,
2. urinary tract infections
3. ear, nose and throat infections
4. gastrointestinal and biliary tract infections,
5. bone and joint infections
6. skin infections
7. sepsis and endocarditis,
8. meningitis,
9. pefloxacin is also effective in treating and preventing infections in immunocompromised patients.

Abaktal and contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Abaktal are:

1. hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation or other quinolines,
2. epilepsy or atherosclerosis of the cerebral blood vessels,
3. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency,
4. should not be used in children and adolescents before the end of the growth period,
5. the use of the preparation is contraindicated in pregnant women and during breastfeeding.

Dosage Abaktal

Adults:

1. The usual dose is 400 mg twice a day, every 2 hours.
2. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment. Pefloxacin is not dialysable, and no extra dose should be taken after dialysis is completed.
3. In patients with hepatic impairment, dosage adjustment by a doctor is necessary. The use of Abaktal should be avoided in patients with severe liver failure.
4. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances, the drug should be taken with food.

Abaktal – warnings

1. Abaktal may cause skin photosensitivity reactions.
2. The drug may cause hypersensitivity reactions (if you suspect a hypersensitivity reaction, consult your doctor immediately).
3. The intake of this medicine may increase the risk of seizures in some people.
4. In some people, taking the drug may affect the ability to drive and use machines. The risk of impaired this ability is increased if alcohol is consumed in parallel.
5. Patients with galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or malabsorption of glucose-galactose should not use this preparation because it contains lactose.
6. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Abaktal.

Abaktal and drug interactions

Before taking Abaktal, tell your doctor if you are taking:

1. anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol),
2. cyclosporine, isoniazid,
3. corticosteroids
4. tetracyclines, chloramphenicol,
5. rifampicin,
6. antacids containing iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium or zinc
7. sucralfate,
8. cimetidine, ranitidine,
9. xanthine derivatives (e.g. theophylline, pentoxifylline),
10. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as fenbufen)
11. caffeine.

Abaktal – side effects

The use of Abaktal may cause, among others, side effects such as: insomnia, nightmares), confusion, hallucinations, tremors, convulsions, seizures, psychotic states, visual disturbances, dysgeusia, headache and dizziness, excessive agitation and restlessness, hematological disorders (decreased number of leukocytes, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia) and kidney function (crystal precipitation in the urine, haematuria, interstitial nephritis), muscle and joint pain, inflammation and rupture of tendons (Achilles tendon).