Gatifloxacin is a new 8-methoxy-fluoroquinolone
antibiotic approved for use in the United States in December 1999. It has a broad spectrum of activity with potent activity against gram-positive bacteria, including
penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as excellent activity against gram-negative and atypical organisms.
Gatifloxacin is available in both oral and
injectable forms and is administered once/day. Bioavailability is 96%, with a plasma half-life of approximately 8 hours in individuals with normal renal function. Elimination is primarily renal excretion of unchanged
drug with no
cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism. The
drug is distributed extensively into tissues and fluids and has a favorable pharmacodynamic profile against important pathogens. It had excellent efficacy in clinical studies of acute
sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbations of
chronic bronchitis, community-acquired
pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated
urinary tract infections and
pyelonephritis, skin and skin structure
infections, and uncomplicated gonococcal
infections. The agent is well tolerated, with no evidence of hepatic, cardiac, or
phototoxicity noted thus far. Drug interactions are uncommon; however, like other
fluoroquinolones, coadministration with multivalent
cations should be avoided due to significantly decreased absorption.
Gatifloxacin should prove to be a safe and effective agent for a wide variety of
infections.