The following information is obtained from various newswires,
published medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Company: Rhone Poulenc Rorer
Approval Status: Approved January 1997
Treatment for: community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and chronic bronchitis
General Information
Zagam, a new once-daily fluoroquinolonc antibiotic treatment, has been approved for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and chronic bronchitis. Zagam has demonstrated activity in clinical trials against a broad range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical pathogens that cause common lower respiratory tract infections. In addition, Zagam is highly active in vitro against many penicillin-resistant strains of the Gram-positive pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as multi-drug resistant strains of the Gram-negative pathogens Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, although clinical efficacy has not yet been established.
The recommended daily dose of Zagam for patients with normal kidney function is two 200 mg tablets on the first day as a loading dose, followed by one tablet every 25 hours thereafter, for a total of 10 days of therapy.
Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effect of Zagam during clinical trials was increased sensitivity to sunlight. As with other antibiotics, QT interval prolongation, tendonitis and gastrointestinal disturbances were observed
