Gatifloxacin

GATIFLOXACIN - ORAL (gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tequin

USES: This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat certain types of infections (e.g., respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections).  

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication by mouth, generally once daily, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while using this drug, unless instructed otherwise. The length of treatment depends on your condition and response to therapy. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medication. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 24 hours). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medicine too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate, aluminum/magnesium- containing antacids, iron or zinc preparations, or vitamin/mineral products within 4 hours of taking this medicine. These products may bind with this medicine and interfere with its absorption. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, mild dizziness or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects:

white patches in the mouth, unusual vaginal itching or discharge. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, seizure, mental/mood changes, muscle/tendon pain or swelling, fainting. Allergic reactions to this drug are unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), heart problems (e.g., QTc interval prolongation, bradycardia, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction), brain disorders (e.g., cerebral atherosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure), low blood potassium (hypokalemia). This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol intake because it can intensify the dizziness effect of this medication. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood sugar due to infection or use of this medication. Monitor your blood glucose levels frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor promptly if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, sweating, hunger and fast pulse. Though gatifloxacin has not been shown to make skin sensitive to the sun, other drugs very similar to this one have. Therefore, avoid excessive sunlight and sun lamps. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication should be used with caution in children less than 18 years of age. This medication may cause joint or bone problems in young children. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of:

drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), drugs that decrease potassium levels such as certain "water pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), phenothiazine drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, perphenazine), didanosine, sucralfate, digoxin, probenecid, warfarin, magnesium/aluminum- containing antacids, iron preparations, zinc supplements, vitamin/mineral supplements, cisapride, erythromycin, astemizole, terfenadine. Also report use of drugs that may affect the heart (prolong the QTc interval) such as:

pentamidine, pimozide, halofantrine, bepridil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Do not use this medication for another infection, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.