FLEROXACIN OVERVIEW

Fleroxacin is a new oral and intravenous trifluorinated 4-quinolone, w hich acts by inhibiting the essential bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase. Fle roxacin exhibits a broad spectrum of action, characterized by pronounc ed activity against aerobic gramnegative bacteria, but also against gr am-positive pathogens such as staphylococci. Fleroxacin is distinguish ed by its excellent bioavailability, high concentrations in the plasma and other body fluids, good tissue penetration, and a long half-life of 10-12 h, thus allowing once-a-day administration. A single oral dos e of 400 mg fleroxacin is effective in uncomplicated cystitis in women , uncomplicated gonococcal infections, bacterial enteritis, and travel er's diarrhea. A single daily dose of 200 mg administered for 3 days i s effective in uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), while long er treatment and higher doses may be required in acute uncomplicated p yelonephritis and complicated UTI. Skin, soft tissue, bone and joint i nfections, and lower respiratory tract infections including exacerbati on of chronic bronchitis and non-pneumococcal pneumonia are further in dications for fleroxacin.