Drugs & Vitamins

Gatifloxacin Oral Suspension Active Ingredients: Gatifloxacin Oral Suspension Representative Names: Tequin Oral Suspension What is gatifloxacin oral suspension? 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 oral suspension? (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 oral suspension 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) Take gatifloxacin suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Before using, gently mix the suspension well by turning the bottle upside down 3 or 5 times; do not shake the bottle. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. You can take this medicine with or without food. Do not take with magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, or with other products containing iron, magnesium, or zinc. Gatifloxacin may be taken 4 hours before taking these products. Try to take your dose at at the same time each day. Do not take 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. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions. This medicine is not for use in children. 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) •aluminum salts •antacids •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •calcium salts •certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol) •certain medicines for depression or mental problems (e.g., amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone) •cisapride •clarithromycin •cyclosporine •didanosine (ddI) •digoxin •dolasetron •doxercalciferol •droperidol •erythromycin •levomethadyl •iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations •magnesium salicylate •magnesium salts •manganese •medicines for diabetes •multivitamins containing calcium, iron, manganese, or zinc •NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen •pentamidine •probenecid •probucol •quinapril •retinoid products such as tretinoin (Retin-A®, Renova®) or isotretinoin (Accutan®) •sevelamer •sucralfate •terfenadine •troleandomycin •warfarin •zinc salts 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 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 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. Many antacids and multivitamins can interfere with absorption of gatifloxacin. This may stop gatifloxacin from working. Make sure it has been at least 4 hours since you last took gatifloxacin before taking any of these products. 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 notice pain or swelling of a tendon or around a joint, stop taking gatifloxacin. Rest the affected area and call your healthcare provider. Do not exercise or resume taking gatifloxacin until your healthcare provider tells you to do so. 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 in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused 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.