Paper II
2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Gatifloxacin.

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Gatifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone.

Mechanism of action

  • Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, blocking DNA replication (bactericidal)

Spectrum

  • Enhanced Gram-positive (including pneumococcus) and anaerobic activity compared to earlier fluoroquinolones, in addition to good Gram-negative cover — a “respiratory fluoroquinolone”

Uses

  • Community-acquired pneumonia, sinusitis
  • Complicated urinary tract infections
  • (Historically also used in typhoid fever)

Adverse effects

  • Dysglycaemia (both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia) — led to withdrawal from systemic use in many countries; retained mainly in ophthalmic preparations now
  • GI upset, tendinitis, QT prolongation, photosensitivity (general fluoroquinolone class effects)

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