Gatifloxacin
Uses of Gatifloxacin
Gatifloxacin is commonly used to treat Bacterial Eye Infections
How Gatifloxacin Works
Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis by preventing both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV leading to bacterial death.
Side Effects of Gatifloxacin
Eye irritation, Watery eyes, Bleeding in the eye, Red eye, Dry eyes, Headache, Eyelid swelling, Reduce visual acuity, Taste disturbance
Warnings
Kidney Safe If Prescribed
Gatifloxacin is safe to be used in patients with renal impairment and no dose adjustment is needed as systemic exposure of Gatifloxacin is negligible.
Alcohol Safe
There is no clear contraindication of the consumption of alcohol when taking Gatifloxacin.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Animal studies have shown reproductive risk when using Gatifloxacin but there are no human data available to conclude the safety profile during pregnancy. It may be compatible to use during pregnancy under doctor's advice.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advisable to drive when taking Gatifloxacin due to potential side effects on eyes such as irritation, reduce visual acuity and headache which can affect the concentration and ability to drive.
Liver Limited Data
There is no need for dosage adjustment according to the manufacturer labelling. The amount of Gatifloxacin metabolised by the liver is also negligible to produce significant effect on the liver.
Lactation Limited Data
It is not known whether Gatifloxacin is excreted into human breastmilk or not thus the decision of using Gatifloxacin should consider the risk and benefits of the mother and the infant by the specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
