Tequin (Gatifloxacin (Removed from US Market - May 2006)) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Tequin

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Tequin

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Tequin Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Tequin, Tequin Teqpaq

Generic Name: gatifloxacin (Pronunciation: gah the FLOCK sah sin)

What is gatifloxacin (Tequin)?

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group 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. It is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Gatifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin (Tequin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using gatifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
seizure (convulsions);
numbness, tingly feeling, burning pain;
skin rash that is red and blisters or peels;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle); or
a skin rash.

Continue using gatifloxacin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
feeling dizzy, restless, or confused;
vaginal discharge or itching;
sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares); or
headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin (Tequin)?

You should not take gatifloxacin if you have diabetes.

Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome" or other 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).

If you take any of the following medicines, take them at least 4 hours after you take gatifloxacin: an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum; 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).

There are many other drugs that can affect gatifloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Gatifloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Call your doctor if you have severe sunburn, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.

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