gatifloxacin

gatifloxacin /gat·i·flox·a·cin/ (gat″ĭ-flok´sah-sin) a fluoroquinoloneantibacterial effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

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gatifloxacin,

a broad-spectrum antiinfective.

indications It is used to treat acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, gonorrhea, and infections caused by susceptible Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Proteus mirabilis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to quinolones prohibits its use.

adverse effects Pseudomembranous colitis is a life-threatening effect. Other adverse effects include dizziness, insomnia, paresthesia, tremor, vasodilation, increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, pruritus, urticaria, photosensitivity, flushing, fever, and chills. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, dyspnea, and pharyngitis.

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gatifloxacin

a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with activity against anaerobic bacteria.

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gatifloxacin

Zymar

Pharmacologic class: Fluoroquinolone

Therapeutic class: Anti-infective

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (enzyme involved in bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair) in susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria

Availability

Ophthalmic solution: 0.3% (5 ml in 8-ml bottle with dropper)

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of Corynebacterium propinquum, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Adults and children ages 1 and older: One drop every 2 hours in affected eye(s) while awake, up to eight times daily on days 1 and 2; then one drop up to four times daily while awake on days 3 to 7

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, its components, or other quinolones

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 1.

Administration

• Don't inject subconjunctivally.
• Don't administer directly into anterior chamber of eye.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Ophthalmic	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache

EENT: reduced visual acuity, conjunctival irritation or hemorrhage, increased lacrimation, keratitis, papillary conjunctivitis, chemosis, dry eye, eye discharge, eye irritation or redness, eye pain, eyelid edema

Other: abnormal taste, superinfection (with prolonged use), allergic reaction

Interactions

None

Patient monitoring

☞ Stop drug and immediately report signs or symptoms of allergic reaction, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Patient teaching

• Teach patient how to use eyedrops. Caution him not to let dropper tip touch eye, finger, or other surfaces.
• If patient is also using other types of eyedrops, instruct him to wait at least 5 minutes after administering gatifloxacin before applying them.
☞ Instruct patient to stop taking drug and contact prescriber immediately if rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing occurs.
• Advise patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until drug effects are known.
• Caution patient with bacterial conjunctivitis not to wear contact lenses.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions.