Gatifloxacin Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information
Gatifloxacin is given to treat infections of the lower respiratory system, urinary tract, sinuses, the skin, bones and joints, and prostate. Gatifloxacin is also used for inhalational anthrax, STDs, severe bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and pneumonia.
Gatifloxacin belongs to the family of Flouroquinolone, which are effective against many organisms that traditional antibiotics fail to resist. Gatifloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and prevent them from
reproducing and is often used to treat infections all over the body. However, they are not considered good to treat viral infections like flu.
Gatifloxacin Side Effects
Gatifloxacin side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common Gatifloxacin side effects are abdominal pain, headache, rash, restlessness. Rare Gatifloxacin side effects may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives,
irritability, liver and kidney failures.
Gatifloxacin Side Effects Reporting
If you experience any Gatifloxacin side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.
GATIFLOXACIN OVERDOSE
Gatifloxacin overdose symptoms include confusion, delusion,
headache, upset stomach, and convulsions. In rare cases Gatifloxacin
overdose may cause kidney failure. In case of Gatifloxacin overdose, seek medical help right away.
If you miss a dose of Gatifloxacin, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Gatifloxacin.
GATIFLOXACIN AND PREGNANCY
Animal studies have shown birth defects by Gatifloxacin. Inform your
doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using Gatifloxacin. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Gatifloxacin.
GATIFLOXACIN CAUTION
Stop taking Gatifloxacin and seek medical help right away at the first
sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Though rare, serious
and seldom fatal allergic reactions have been reported, even after the
first dose.
These reactions include loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and
throat, shortness of breath, hives, tingling, and rash.
You should not take Gatifloxacin if you are sensitive to or have ever
had an allergic reaction to Gatifloxacin or other antibiotics of this type
such as Floxin, Noroxin and Trovan.
You should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate
in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you
know how Gatifloxacin affects you.
Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of
bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary
infection.
If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such
as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, inform your
physician before taking Gatifloxacin.
You should consult your doctor before taking Gatifloxacin if you have
liver or kidney disease.
GATIFLOXACIN INTERACTION
The following can interfere with the absorption of Gatifloxacin:
Antacids
Carafate
Iron Supplements and other multivitamins
containing calcium, or zinc (also avoid taking milk or yogurt)
Videx
Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Gatifloxacin was taken
in combination with theophylline, Probeneacid and Cimetidine.
Gatifloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine.
If Gatifloxacin is taken with these drugs, the effects of either could
be increased or decreased:
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Warfarin
GATIFLOXACIN DOSES
ADULTS:
For most infections 200-400 mg/day.
Doses of Gatifloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney
problems.
CHILDREN:
Gatifloxacin is not recommended for children.
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