Gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, and moxifloxacin: the role of 3 newer fluoroquinolones

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Nov 1;37(9):1210-5. doi: 10.1086/378809. Epub 2003 Oct 2.

Abstract

Gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, and moxifloxacin are the newest fluoroquinolones and show excellent in vitro activity against a wide variety of respiratory tract pathogens, many gram-negative aerobic organisms, and Bacteroides fragilis. These agents may be administered as oral and/or intravenous formulations with excellent bioavailability. The pharmacodynamics of these 3 new fluoroquinolones is more favorable than that of levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin for Streptococcus pneumoniae. All 3 agents are approved for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia. In addition, gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin are approved for the treatment of sinusitis. The toxicity of these 3 agents appears to be similar to that of the other fluoroquinolones in terms of gastrointestinal and central nervous system disturbances. All 3 agents have a low risk of phototoxicity, but gemifloxacin is associated with an increased risk of skin rash that is not a photoreaction. These agents can be useful for treatment of bacterial respiratory tract infections in patients who are allergic to beta-lactams, but caution must be exercised to avoid the potential for selection of widespread resistance, which may occur with indiscriminate use.

MeSH terms

  • Aza Compounds / chemistry
  • Aza Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Aza Compounds / pharmacology
  • Bacteroides fragilis / drug effects
  • Ciprofloxacin / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Fluoroquinolones / chemistry
  • Fluoroquinolones / pharmacokinetics
  • Fluoroquinolones / pharmacology*
  • Gatifloxacin
  • Gemifloxacin
  • Humans
  • Levofloxacin
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Naphthyridines / chemistry
  • Naphthyridines / pharmacokinetics
  • Naphthyridines / pharmacology
  • Ofloxacin / pharmacology
  • Quinolines / chemistry
  • Quinolines / pharmacokinetics
  • Quinolines / pharmacology
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / drug effects*

Substances

  • Aza Compounds
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Naphthyridines
  • Quinolines
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin
  • Gatifloxacin
  • Gemifloxacin
  • Moxifloxacin