Gatifloxacin (GFX)

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolone family, that like other members of that family, inhibits the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Gatifloxacin is currently available only in the US and Canada as an ophthalmic solution. A statement from the health ministry said: 'The use of the following drugs is likely to involve certain risks to human beings, whereas safer alternatives to the said drugs are available.' The move comes after international studies revealed that gatifloxacin posed 17 times higher risk of developing serious hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) than other antibiotics in elderly patients. The prohibitory order on gatifloxacin is applicable only for its systemic use as mentioned in the Gazette notification and does not apply to any topical formulations of gatifloxacin. Ophthalmic anti-infectives are generally well tolerated.