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Gatifloxacin: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

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Chemical Formula:

  • C19H22FN3O4

Structure of Gatifloxacin
Structure of Gatifloxacin

Mechanism of Action:

  • Gatifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

  • It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes responsible for the unwinding and supercoiling of bacterial DNA.

  • This inhibition prevents DNA replication, transcription, and repair, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Uses:

  • Gatifloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

  • Acute bacterial sinusitis

  • Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis

  • Community-acquired pneumonia

  • Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of gatifloxacin include:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Vomiting

Serious side effects may include:

  • Tendon rupture or inflammation

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Central nervous system effects (e.g., seizures, anxiety, depression)

  • Photosensitivity

  • Hypersensitivity reactions

  • QT interval prolongation

  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea


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