Ready-to-use pefloxacin infusion for surgical prophylaxis

The efficacy of pefloxacin in preventing postsurgical infection was demonstrated in an open, comparative, randomized clinical trial. The 120 evaluable patients were divided into four groups of 30 each. Group A served as controls. Groups B, C, and D received one, two, and six doses, respectively, of pefloxacin 400 mg in 100-mL solution as an intravenous infusion. The majority of treated patients benefited from pefloxacin therapy, with only 3% to 7% developing infection. In contrast, 20% of the placebo group developed infection within 5 days after surgery. Two of the 90 treated patients experienced mild side effects. One to six doses of ready-to-use pefloxacin infusion may be administered safely to provide antibacterial coverage during surgery.