In this Article

• What is gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• How should I take gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tequin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tequin)?
• What should I avoid while taking gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• What other drugs will affect gatifloxacin (Tequin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gatifloxacin (Tequin)?

You should not take gatifloxacin if you have diabetes.

Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you are being treated with one of these medications: quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace).

Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
• a low level of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use gatifloxacin or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is unknown if gatifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take gatifloxacin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Gatifloxacin should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to have side effects from gatifloxacin. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take gatifloxacin (Tequin)?

Take gatifloxacin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluid while taking gatifloxacin.

Take each dose at the same time every day. You may take gatifloxacin with or without food.

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Gatifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.