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gatifloxacin-injection, Tequin

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GENERIC NAME: GATIFLOXACIN - INJECTION (gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Tequin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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 is given directly into a vein (IV), generally once daily, as directed by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment depend on your condition and response to therapy. Use 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 using the medication at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 24 hours). Continue to use 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. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of this medication. Before using, check this medication visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or slight pain or redness at the injection site 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: chest pain, seizures, muscle or tendon pain/swelling, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of a certain heart rhythm problem (i.e., QTc prolongation), low blood potassium (hypokalemia). 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., bradycardia, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction), brain disorders (e.g., cerebral atherosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure). 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 is passed into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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