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 norma l renal function. Elimination is primarily renal excretion of unchanged dru g with no cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism. The drug is distributed exte nsively 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, c ommunity-acquired pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract in fections and pyelonephritis, skin and skin structure infections, and uncomp licated gonococcal infections. The agent is well tolerated, with no evidenc e of hepatic, cardiac, or phototoxicity noted thus far. Drug interactions a re uncommon; however, like other fluoroquinolones, coadministration with mu ltivalent cations should be avoided due to significantly decreased absorpti on. Gatifloxacin should prove to be a safe and effective agent for a wide v ariety of infections.