Drugs & Vitamins

Raxar Active Ingredients: Grepafloxacin Tablets Representative Names: Raxar What are grepafloxacin tablets? 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 grepafloxacin? What side effects may I notice from taking grepafloxacin? What should I watch for while taking grepafloxacin? Where can I keep my medicine? What are grepafloxacin tablets? (Back to top) GREPAFLOXACIN (Raxar™) is an antibiotic. Grepafloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. 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 •heart disease •liver disease •long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors) •seizures (convulsions) •stomach problems (especially colitis) •stroke •other chronic conditions •an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take grepafloxacin tablets by mouth with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. 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 taking 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 grepafloxacin? (Back to top) •aluminum salts •amoxapine •antacids •bepridil •bromperidol •certain medicines for depression •astemizole •calcium salts •caffeine •certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol) •certain medications for mental problems (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol, risperidone, and sertindole) •cisapride •clarithromycin •cyclosporine •dairy products •didanosine (ddI) •diltiazem •disopyramide •dolasetron •doxercalciferol •erythromycin •flecainide •iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations •magnesium salts •manganese •maprotiline •multivitamins containing calcium, iron, manganese, or zinc •probucol •sevelamer •sucralfate •terfenadine •terodiline •theophylline •verapamil •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 grepafloxacin? (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 •dry mouth •headache •nausea or stomach upset What should I watch for while taking grepafloxacin? (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 grepafloxacin and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you are a diabetic, monitor your blood glucose carefully while on this medicine. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how grepafloxacin 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. Drink several glasses of water a day. Cut down on drinks that contain caffeine. Antacids can stop grepafloxacin from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure it has been at least 2 hours since you last took grepafloxacin, or at least 2 to 4 hours before your next dose. Calcium, iron, and zinc preparations can also stop grepafloxacin from working properly. Take calcium tablets, iron tablets, zinc tablets, or vitamins that contain calcium, iron, or zinc at least 2 hours before or two hours after grepafloxacin. Avoid having dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, or cheese with your medicine; they can reduce the effect of grepafloxacin. 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 grepafloxacin. 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 at room temperature around 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2005 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.