Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Aim: Gatifloxacin (GTX) - an 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent has been considered very effective in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections. This study investigates the toxic potentials of GTX in Wistar rats.
Methodology: Twenty male rats (180-220 g) were randomised into four groups: I-Control, II-4 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) GTX, III-8 mg/kg b.w GTX, and IV-16 mg/kg b.w GTX.
Results: After seven days of GTX administration, the levels of plasma creatinine, urea and bilirubin were increased significantly (P<0.05) in GTX-treated rats compared to control. ALP, ALT, AST and GGT activities were also elevated significantly in the plasma of the treated animals relative to control. Similarly, hepatic malondialdehyde level increased significantly in the GTX-treated groups relative to control. Hepatic levels of ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione as well as activities of hepatic GST, catalase, and SOD were reduced significantly in a dose dependent manner in the GTX-treated animals compared to control. Besides, histopathological studies revealed very mild, moderate and severe hepatic portal congestion and cellular infiltration by mononuclear cells by the three doses of GTX.
Conclusion: Overall, three different doses of Gatifloxacin (half-therapeutic, therapeutic and double-therapeutic) induced renal and hepatic damages, as well as oxidative stress in rats.