Drugs & Vitamins

Gatifloxacin Injection Active Ingredients: Gatifloxacin Injection Representative Names: Tequin IV What is gatifloxacin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with gatifloxacin? What side effects may I notice from taking gatifloxacin? What should I watch for while taking gatifloxacin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is gatifloxacin injection? (Back to top) GATIFLOXACIN (Tequin™) is an antibiotic. It kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat bronchitis, kidney and other urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. Generic gatifloxacin injection is not yet available. NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diabetes or problems with high or low blood sugar •heart disease or heart rhythm disturbances •kidney disease •liver disease •long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors) •seizures (convulsions) •stomach problems (especially colitis) •stroke •taking diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) •tendon or joint pain •other chronic conditions •an unusual or allergic reaction to gatifloxacin, other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Gatifloxacin is for slow infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with gatifloxacin? (Back to top) •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol) •certain medications for depression or other mental problems (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, amoxapine, maprotiline, phenothiazines, haloperidol, pimozide, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone) •cisapride •clarithromycin •cyclobenzaprine •cyclosporine •digoxin •didanosine (ddI) •diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide which can cause low potassium levels •dolasetron •doxercalciferol •droperidol •erythromycin •levomethadyl •medicines for diabetes •NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen •pentamidine •probenecid •probucol •retinoid products such as tretinoin (Retin-A®, Renova®) or isotretinoin (Accutan®) •terfenadine •troleandomycin •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking gatifloxacin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •confusion •difficulty breathing •irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain •joint, muscle or tendon pain •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •seizures •severe or watery diarrhea •skin rash, itching •swelling of the face or neck •tingling in hands or feet •tremor or restlessness •unusual tiredness or weakness •vision changes •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation or diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •dizziness or drowsiness •headache •nausea or stomach upset •redness at site of injection What should I watch for while taking gatifloxacin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. If you get an unusual reaction stop taking gatifloxacin and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you have diabetes, you should not take gatifloxacin. Gatifloxacin may cause alterations in blood sugar that may be particularly harmful to patients with diabetes. Certain other patients at risk for either high or low blood sugar may need to have their blood sugar carefully monitored while taking this drug. If you notice symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness, stop taking gatifloxacin and contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how gatifloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking gatifloxacin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store unopened vials and premix bags at controlled room temperature. Do not freeze. Store diluted solutions at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion left in the vial or premix bags. Discard medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:06/01/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.