GATIFLOXACIN - ORAL (Tequin) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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

BRAND NAME(S): Tequin

USES: Gatifloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and duration is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Drink plenty of fluids while using this drug unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take this medication at least 4 hours before taking any drugs that contain magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Follow the same instructions if you also take bismuth subsalicylate, sucralfate, iron, and zinc. These medications bind with gatifloxacin and prevent its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals (at the same time every day). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling/weakness of arms/legs, swelling of the ankles/hands/feet, uncontrolled movements (e.g., tremors), vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeats, fainting, mental/mood changes (including depression, rare thoughts of suicide), new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing of eyes or skin, seizures, change in the amount of urine. This drug may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendon rupture). Seek immediate medical attention, rest, and stop exercising if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. This medication may cause changes in blood sugar, especially in patients taking medications for diabetes. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist about how to detect these changes and monitor your blood sugar regularly. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include nervousness, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeats, or hunger. Follow your doctor's instructions to treat your low blood sugar level (e.g., eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy; or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar while taking this medication. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, stomach pain, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.