Scheme 1. Formation of a ternary complex of FabI–NAD⁺–triclosan, and the slow transition of this complex to a stable form.

Triclosan binds to FabI more potently in the presence of NAD⁺, leading to the formation of the ternary complex. This complex undergoes a slow transformation to a final slowly dissociating complex. Thus the formation of a ternary complex and the slow conversion of this complex into a final stable form make triclosan a potent inhibitor of FabI.