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Biphasic anaphylaxis to gemifloxacin

Insu Yilmaz1, Serkan Doğan, Nuri Tutar

  • 1Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38030, Turkey.

Asia Pacific Allergy
|November 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Severe anaphylaxis to gemifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was observed in an elderly male patient. This resistant and biphasic reaction occurred despite the absence of prior reports, highlighting potential risks in patients with comorbidities.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Adverse Drug Reactions

Background:

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, are known to cause anaphylaxis.
  • Anaphylactic and biphasic reactions to gemifloxacin have not been previously documented in medical literature.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old male patient experienced a severe, resistant, and biphasic anaphylactic reaction to gemifloxacin mesylate.
  • The patient was concurrently taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and alpha (α) and beta (β) adrenergic blockers.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of resistant and biphasic anaphylaxis to gemifloxacin.
  • The patient's concurrent medications may have complicated the management of the severe anaphylactic reaction.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe, resistant, and biphasic anaphylaxis to gemifloxacin, even in the absence of prior reports.
  • Management of anaphylaxis in elderly patients with comorbidities, particularly those on cardiovascular medications, requires careful consideration.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and risk factors associated with gemifloxacin-induced anaphylaxis.
Keywords:
ACE inhibitorAlpha blockerBeta blockerBiphasic anaphylaxisGemifloxacin

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