Gatifloxacin
Indications
Gatifloxacin is used for:
Uncomplicated gonorrhea, Susceptible infections, Respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infections
Adult Dose
Adult: PO Susceptible infections 400 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea; Uncomplicated UTI 400 mg as a single dose.
IV Susceptible infections 400 mg once daily.
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity; children <18 yr; concurrent use of class IA or III antiarrhythmics, QT-prolongation drugs; diabetics; pregnancy, lactation.
Precautions
May prolong QT interval; uncorrected hypokalaemia; known or suspected CNS disorders, renal and hepatic impairment. Elderly.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Additive effect w/ drugs that prolong QT interval e.g. antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol), arsenic trioxide, cisapride, chlorpromazine, droperidol, mefloquine, dolasetron, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, pimozide, tacrolimus, pentamidine, thioridazine, ziprasidone. Increased risk of blood glucose disturbances w/ drugs that alter blood glucose concentrations (e.g. antidiabetics). Systemic admin may elevate plasma concentrations of theophylline, interfere caffeine metabolism, enhance effects of oral anticoagulant (warfarin and its derivatives), and transient elevations in serum creatinine w/ ciclosporin.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Gatifloxacin :
Rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, hallucinations, agitation, nightmares, depression; photophobia; tendon rupture; headache, dizziness, insomnia, chills, fever; back pain, abdominal pain; constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, inflammation of the tongue, mouth sores; abnormal vision, ringing in the ears, vaginitis.
Potentially Fatal: Hyperosmolar nonketotic hyperglycaemic coma, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemic coma, convulsions and mental status changes.
Mechanism of Action
Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial which acts by inhibiting DNA synthesis in susceptible organisms via inhibition of both DNA gyrase (essential for bacterial reproduction) and topoisomerase IV (essential during bacterial cell division).