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

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.

What is gatifloxacin?

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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gatifloxacin?

You should not take gatifloxacin if you have diabetes.

Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a 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).

Before taking gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

• a low level of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use gatifloxacin or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is unknown if gatifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take gatifloxacin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Gatifloxacin should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to have side effects from gatifloxacin. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.