Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: GATIFLOXACIN (gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)
This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cisapride; other medicines that may change your heart rhythm such as lithium, antipsychotics (e.g., thioridazine, ziprasidone), phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline), other quinolone antibiotics, bepridil, dofetilide, or pimozide among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop taking other QTc-prolonging medicines you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, liver disease, heart problems, seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have diabetes, low blood potassium, or a history of prolonged QT interval. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN under 18 years of age is not recommended. Please talk with your doctor about risks and benefits before giving this medicine to your child.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE 4 hours before taking any medicines containing magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medicines bind with gatifloxacin preventing its full absorption. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as Cipro, Floxin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar) OR HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Signs of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, or "fruity" breath. Discuss with your doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic reactions. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tendon pain, joint pain or swelling, rash, severe or continuing diarrhea, itching, hives, sudden onset of sweating, pale skin, blurred vision, or changes in mood or behavior. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: swelling of throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions, or later for other infections. A different medicine may be needed in those cases. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.
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