Gatifloxacin, an advanced 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone

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 gramnegative 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.