Gatifloxacin - Talk Medical

Generic Name: gatifloxacin

Brands: Tequin, Tequin Teqpaq

What is the most important information I should know about Gatifloxacin?

· Take all of the Gatifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Do not take Gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your family have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Also, do not take Gatifloxacin if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.

· Take Gatifloxacin at least 4 hours before antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, others); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc, magnesium or iron; or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, others). These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of Gatifloxacin.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is Gatifloxacin?

· Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.

· Gatifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and urinary tract and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

· Gatifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Gatifloxacin?

· Before taking Gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have ·a low level of potassium in your blood; ·a slow heart rate; ·heart disease; ·diabetes; ·kidney disease; ·liver disease; or ·epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

· You may not be able to take Gatifloxacin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.

· Gatifloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Gatifloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is unknown whether Gatifloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take Gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Gatifloxacin. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take Gatifloxacin?

· Take Gatifloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluid while taking Gatifloxacin.

· Gatifloxacin can be taken with or without food.

· Gatifloxacin is usually taken once a day. Take each dose at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Take all of the Gatifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Gatifloxacin overdose include decreased activity and rate of breathing, vomiting, tremors, and convulsions.

What should I avoid while taking Gatifloxacin?

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although it has not been reported with the use of Gatifloxacin, other similar medicines have increased the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Severe sunburn has resulted, even with minimal sun exposure. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable while taking Gatifloxacin, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of Gatifloxacin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Gatifloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·irregular or rapid heartbeats; ·fainting; ·seizures; ·liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); ·muscle or joint pain; or ·a skin rash.

· If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Gatifloxacin and talk to your doctor: ·nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea; ·dizziness; ·headache; or ·increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Gatifloxacin?

· Do not take Gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: ·the heart medicines quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others; ·a tricyclic antidepressant including amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), and others; ·a phenothiazine including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), thioridazine (Mellaril), and others; ·erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S., others); or ·cisapride (Propulsid).

· Gatifloxacin and the drugs listed above may affect the rhythm of your heartbeats. You may not be able to take Gatifloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Before taking Gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking: ·warfarin (Coumadin); ·probenecid (Benemid and others); ·digoxin (Lanoxin and others); or ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others.

· You may not be able to take Gatifloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Gatifloxacin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Gatifloxacin written for health professionals that you may read.

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