Gemifloxacin for community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND

Newer fluoroquinolones have become an important therapeutic choice in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Gemifloxacin is one of the newest members of this class of antibiotics and has performed favourably in this indication.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the microbiological activity, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and clinical activity of gemifloxacin in CAP, as well as the safety reported in controlled clinical studies.

METHODS

Literature research of English publications in the last 10 years addressing all aspects of gemifloxacin in CAP.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Gemifloxacin is microbiologically the most active fluoroquinolone against Streptococcus pneumoniae--the leading pathogen of CAP. In several comparative studies gemifloxacin was highly effective and well tolerated in the treatment of mild-to-moderate severe CAP.