Gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis: safety, efficacy and patient perspective.

Gatifloxacin is a fourth generation fluroquinolone antibiotic that has been prescribed for systemic use. However, the drug which was developed by Kyorin (Japan) was linked to toxic reactions and death and was banned in the United States and Canada for use as an oral dosage form. It continues to be used as a topical application for ophthalmic conditions as the systemic toxicity seen when taking the drug orally has not been observed with ophthalmic use. The available data indicate that ocular use of gatifloxacin is safe, and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including intracellular bacteria and anaerobes.