TEQUIN

Drug Name: TEQUIN

TEQUIN DESCRIPTION:
GATIFLOXACIN - INJECTION (gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)

COMMON TEQUIN BRAND NAME(S):
Tequin

TEQUIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea, mild dizziness, headache, or slight pain or redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: white patches in the mouth, unusual vaginal itching or discharge. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, fainting, seizure, mental/mood changes, muscle or tendon pain/swelling. Allergic reactions to TEQUIN are unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TEQUIN:
TEQUIN: TEQUIN is given directly into a vein (IV), generally once daily, as directed by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment depend on your condition and response to therapy. Use TEQUIN exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose of TEQUIN. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 24 hours). Continue to use TEQUIN until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medicine too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of TEQUIN. Before using, check TEQUIN visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

TEQUIN USES:
TEQUIN is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat certain types of infections (e.g., respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections).

TEQUIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin); kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis); heart problems (e.g., QTc interval prolongation, bradycardia, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction); brain disorders (e.g., cerebral atherosclerosis, tumors or increased intracranial pressure) or low blood potassium (hypokalemia). TEQUIN may make you dizzy. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol intake because it can intensify the dizziness effect of TEQUIN. Use of TEQUIN for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood sugar due to infection or use of TEQUIN. Monitor your blood glucose levels frequently while using TEQUIN and notify your doctor promptly if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, sweating, hunger and fast pulse. Though gatifloxacin has not been shown to make skin sensitive to the sun, other drugs very similar to this one have. Therefore, avoid excessive sunlight and sun lamps. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. TEQUIN should be used with caution in children less than 18 years of age. TEQUIN may cause joint or bone problems in young children. TEQUIN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether TEQUIN is passed into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TEQUIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin); NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen); drugs that decrease potassium levels such as certain "water pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide); drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol); tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline); phenothiazine drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, perphenazine); didanosine, sucralfate, digoxin, probenecid, warfarin, magnesium/aluminum- containing antacids, iron preparations, zinc supplements, vitamin/mineral supplements, cisapride, erythromycin, astemizole, terfenadine; or other drugs that may affect the heart (prolong the QTc interval) such as pentamidine, pimozide, halofantrine or bepridil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TEQUIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

TEQUIN NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED TEQUIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

TEQUIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Discard any unused liquid. For information regarding the storage and stability of this drug after dilution in correct IV fluids, consult your pharmacist.