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Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class. It is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes necessary for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.

History

Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride was developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and was marketed under the brand name Vaxigrip. However, it was withdrawn from the market due to concerns about its side effects, particularly its potential to cause QT interval prolongation, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.

Mechanism of Action

Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride, like other fluoroquinolones, works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are necessary for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. By inhibiting these enzymes, Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride prevents the bacteria from replicating and repairing their DNA, leading to their death.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, it can also cause more serious side effects, such as QT interval prolongation, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Due to these potential side effects, Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride was withdrawn from the market.

Withdrawal from the Market

Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride was withdrawn from the market due to concerns about its potential to cause QT interval prolongation, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. This decision was made after several reports of patients experiencing serious cardiac arrhythmias after taking Grepafloxacin Hydrochloride.

See Also

• Fluoroquinolone
• DNA gyrase
• Topoisomerase IV
• QT interval