Gatifloxacin



Tequin®[DSC]; Zymar™







Gatifloxacin

(ga ti FLOKS a sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Tequin®[DSC]; Zymar™
Canadian Brand Names
Tequin®; Zymar™
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Ophthalmic; Antibiotic, Quinolone
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to gatifloxacin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have diabetes mellitus or a fast heartbeat.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How does it work?
  • Gatifloxacin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have low potassium levels or if you are taking a water pill, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids, iron, didanosine, or multivitamins within 4 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
  • Tendons can rarely get irritated and tear.
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
  • Eye:
  • Short-term discomfort after use.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Increased trips to the bathroom, increased thirst, or weight loss.
  • Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion or sweating.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Pain in back of the ankle.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Severe eye irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store eye solution at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 2 weeks.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: