This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on tequin.
Tequin Consumer Information
TEQUIN
Generic Name: gatifloxacin (gah the FLOCK sah sin)
Brand Names: Tequin, Tequin Teqpaq
What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin?
- Take all of the gatifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Do not take gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your family have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Also, do not take gatifloxacin if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
- Take gatifloxacin at least 4 hours before antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, others); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc, magnesium or iron; or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, others). These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of gatifloxacin.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What is gatifloxacin?
- Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Gatifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and urinary tract and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
- Gatifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gatifloxacin?
- Do not take gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your family have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Also, do not take gatifloxacin if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
- Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have
- a low level of potassium in your blood;
- a slow heart rate;
- heart disease;
- diabetes;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
- You may not be able to take gatifloxacin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
- Gatifloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether gatifloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is unknown whether gatifloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take gatifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
- If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from gatifloxacin. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take gatifloxacin?
- Take gatifloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluid while taking gatifloxacin.
- Gatifloxacin can be taken with or without food.
- Gatifloxacin is usually taken once a day. Take each dose at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Take all of the gatifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Take gatifloxacin at least 4 hours before antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, others); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc, magnesium or iron; or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, others). These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of gatifloxacin.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a gatifloxacin overdose include decreased activity and rate of breathing, vomiting, tremors, and convulsions.
What should I avoid while taking gatifloxacin?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although it has not been reported with the use of gatifloxacin, other similar medicines have increased the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Severe sunburn has resulted, even with minimal sun exposure. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable while taking gatifloxacin, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.