Gatifloxacin is a novel orally-active fluoroquinolone antibiotic with a
potent and broad spectrum of activity against gram-positive (S.pneumonia,
S.aureus) and gram-negative bacteria. It shows good activity against strains
resistant to established antituberculosis agents. Gatifloxacin was marketed for the treatment of respiratory tract and urinary infections, particularly the treatment
of certain community-acquired infections (such as bronchitis, pneumonia and
common sexually-transmitted diseases). Comparative studies with ciprofloxacin,
ofloxacin and sparfloxacin against fluoroquinolone-resistant organisms indicated
a better or equivalent effectiveness with less phototoxic adverse effects.
