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 is available as a tablet and an oral suspension and as eardrops.
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.
SIDE EFFECTS OF GATIFLOXACIN
Common side effects of Gatifloxacin are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common side effects of Gatifloxacin are abdominal pain, headache, rash, restlessness.
Rare side effects of Gatifloxacin may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives, irritability, liver and kidney failures.
DRUG 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
DOSES
CHILDREN:
Not recommended, unless for treating Anthrax. Their dose is calculated at the rate of 15mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight.
ADULTS:
For most infections 200-400mg a day.
Doses of Gatifloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney problems.
GATIFLOXACIN AND PREGNANCY
Animal studies have shown birth defects by Gatifloxacin. Inform your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using this drug.
Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Gatifloxacin.
GATIFLOXACIN OVERDOSE
Symptoms of Gatifloxacin overdose 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.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
© 2000-2006 TheMedicine.NET