MedlinePlus Drug Information: Gatifloxacin Oral

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Gatifloxacin Oral

(ga ti flocks' a sin)

Brand name(s): Tequin

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Gatifloxacin is in a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It eliminates bacteria that cause many infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; sinus, respiratory tract, and urinary tract infections; and sexually transmitted diseases. Antibiotics will not work against colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Gatifloxacin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily for up to 14 days with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gatifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take gatifloxacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gatifloxacin without talking with your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Gatifloxacin is also used occasionally to eliminate bacteria that cause infections in the skin and prostate. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before administering gatifloxacin,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cinoxacin (Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-mycin, others), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics; cancer chemotherapy agents; antiarrhythmics [amiodarone (Cordarone), quinidine (Quinidex), bretylium (Bretylate), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Pronestyl), sotalol (Betapace)]; certain tranquilizers, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), or lithium; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics (''water pills'') [furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiazide (Diurel)]; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); tricyclic antidepressants [amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil)]; and herbal products or vitamins.
if you are taking antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), didanosine (Videx), ferrous sulfate, or dietary or vitamin supplements containing iron, magnesium, or zinc, you should take them 4 hours after you have taken gatifloxacin.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney or liver disease; diabetes; low blood potassium; seizures; or history of stroke.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gatifloxacin, call your doctor immediately.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gatifloxacin.
you should know that this drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how gatifloxacin will affect you.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Gatifloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
keep in mind that gatifloxacin may cause increased or decreased blood sugar in patients taking medications for diabetes. Check your blood glucose regularly. If you see a big drop in your blood glucose, stop taking gatifloxacin and call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from gatifloxacin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

vaginal inflammation
upset stomach
diarrhea
headache
dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face or throat
hoarseness
heart palpitations or rapid heart rate
fainting spells
yellowing of the skin or eyes
blood in urine
pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
seizures

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep away from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to gatifloxacin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the gatifloxacin, call your doctor.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer