Why it's used

Gatifloxacin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat certain bacterial infections such as sudden worsening of inflamed bronchial tubes (acute bacterial exacerbation of long-term bronchitis), short-term inflammation of the membranes lining nose and surrounding sinuses (acute sinusitis), an infectious lung disease (community-acquired pneumonia), uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections including painful pus (simple abscesses), pus-containing painful infection that forms around a hair follicle (furuncles), inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis), wound infections, and serious skin infection caused by a bacteria (cellulitis), complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis), inflammation of kidneys due to infection by bacteria (pyelonephritis). It is also used to treat a sexually transmitted infection (uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea), infection of the terminating part of the intestine (acute and uncomplicated infection of the rectum) in women, infection of eyes caused by bacteria (bacterial conjunctivitis). This medicine works by blocking the action of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, both of which are important enzymes for the synthesis of bacterial cells. This medicine helps by killing the bacteria that cause infection.
When not to use
Gatifloxacin should not be used to treat a viral infection such as the common cold.
Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial
Gatifloxacin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial class of medicines. Fluoroquinolones are medicines used for the treatment and prevention of certain types of bacterial infections. These medicines are commonly used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections.

How to use

Read the directions on the product label, patient guide, or medicine guide provided by the medicine company or your pharmacist before starting to use Gatifloxacin. If you have any questions related to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine as recommended by your doctor.
Gatifloxacin is used with or without food. Gatifloxacin should be used at least 4 hours before the usage of ferrous sulfate, dietary supplements containing zinc, magnesium, or iron such as multivitamins and antacids.
The typical dose of Gatifloxacin is 400 mg/day for 1-2 weeks. The maximum adult dose of Gatifloxacin is 400 mg in a day. This medicine is typically used for a period of 5 days for sudden worsening of inflamed bronchial tubes, 10 days for short-term inflammation of the membranes lining nose and surrounding sinuses, 7-14 days for an infectious lung disease, 7-10 days for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, 3 days and 7-10 days for complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and 7-10 days for inflammation of kidneys due to infection by bacteria. Gatifloxacin is commonly used at the same time every day.
You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
Talk to your doctor if you develop new symptoms. Tell your doctor if heart palpitations, and fainting. If you have any kidney disease, a lowered dose is prescribed in patients with creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min, based on the underlying functioning of kidneys. You should consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Gatifloxacin.
Older patients may see an increase in the incidence of side-effects with this medicine. As a result, a lower dose may be recommended for older patients.
The safety and effectiveness of using Gatifloxacin in children has not been established. The effectiveness and safety data of Gatifloxacin have not been confirmed in children.
Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Gatifloxacin. You may need to have Antibiotic Susceptibility test. The method is used to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds.
You should store Gatifloxacin 15°C -30°C (59°F-86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store the medicine away from the reach of children and pets.
Medicines may be prescribed for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Gatifloxacin for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Gatifloxacin to other people who might have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. Self-medication may harm them.

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How to take Gatifloxacin

The dose and frequency of using Gatifloxacin will depend on the following factors:
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used

Gatifloxacin Dosage

Dosage for sudden worsening of inflamed bronchial tubes (acute bacterial exacerbation of long-term bronchitis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg once daily for 5 days

Dosage for short-term inflammation of the membranes lining nose and surrounding sinuses (acute sinusitis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg once daily for 10 days

Dosage for an infectious lung disease (community-acquired pneumonia)

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg once daily for 7-14 days

Dosage for uncomplicated skin and skin structure related infections

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg once daily for 7-10 days

Dosage for complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 200-400 mg as a single dose for 3 days

Dosage for inflammation of kidneys due to infection by bacteria (pyelonephritis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg once daily for 7-10 days

Dosage for sexually transmitted infection (uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea)

Adult
  • Recommended: 400 mg as a single dose

Dosage for a common type of pink eye caused by bacteria (bacterial conjunctivitis)

Adult
  • Recommended: instill one drop every two hours in the affected eye while awake, up to 8 times on the first day of therapy followed by one drop two to four times daily in the affected eye for one week while awake up

Minimum Age

18 years

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 200 mg and 400 mg
Liquid
Strength: 10 mg
Solution
Strength: 0.3%, 2 mg and 3 mg/ml
Solution / Drops
Strength: 3 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml
Injection
Strength: 10 mg/ml

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Gatifloxacin?
The patient should be carefully observed through ECG monitoring and given symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage should be carried out to emptying the stomach and adequate hydration should be maintained.
Symptoms of an overdose of Gatifloxacin
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
  • a low respiratory rate
  • decreased activity
  • irregular movement of the body
  • rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation
  • vomiting
If you think you have overdosed on Gatifloxacin, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Gatifloxacin

Before you use Gatifloxacin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin.
Before you use Gatifloxacin, tell your doctor of your medical history including low levels of potassium in the blood, patients receiving class IA or class III antiarrhythmic agents, abnormal functioning of the kidney, or slow heart rate.
Gatifloxacin should be used only when required in patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use this medicine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known if this medicine is safe for use in women who nurse/breastfeed. Consult with your doctor before you use Gatifloxacin while breastfeeding. A patient should take caution when using Gatifloxacin during breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether Gatifloxacin passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor on the use of Gatifloxacin, if you are trying to conceive. Before taking Gatifloxacin in women who are attempting to conceive, consult with your doctor as the effects of Gatifloxacin on the unborn child are unknown.
Gatifloxacin can make you feel sleepy. Be careful, especially while driving, while using heavy machinery, or when doing any activity that needs you to be completely alert. The consumption of alcohol with Gatifloxacin can worsen the sleepiness. Gatifloxacin may cause seizures in some people. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor before performing any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you or others.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Regular use of tobacco and alcohol may increase your risk. Discuss with your doctor if you smoke and drink alcohol regularly. This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and make you prone to sunburn. If this happens, limit your time outdoors to prevent sunburn. Use a sunscreen and cover your skin when you are outdoors. If you get sunburns on your body, consult with your doctor.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Gatifloxacin to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Gatifloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Precaution
Warning: A patient should take caution when using Gatifloxacin during breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether Gatifloxacin passes into breast milk.

Younger Adults Population

No Known Risk
Warning: The effectiveness and safety of Gatifloxacin have not been confirmed in children.

Older Adults Population

Possibly safe
Warning: No dose modification is needed for the elderly patient when using Gatifloxacin.

Gatifloxacin Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Gatifloxacin. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Gatifloxacin may cause the following side-effects:
  • abnormal dream
  • abnormal sensation in the body
  • abnormal thinking
  • abnormal vision
  • bad breath (halitosis)
  • bone pain
  • breast pain
  • chills
  • derealization (depersonalization)
  • difficult urination
  • dry skin
  • ear pain
  • excessive physical sensitivity (hyperesthesia)
  • excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness (euphoria)
  • face swelling
  • fast breathing (hyperventilation)
  • gas formation
  • increased sensitivity to light
  • indigestion
  • inflammation in the joints
  • inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
  • inflammation of the lips (cheilitis)
  • insomnia
  • lack of muscle contraction
  • leg cramps
  • mouth swelling
  • neck pain
  • nervousness
  • palpitation
  • rhythmic muscle contractions and relaxation (tremor)
  • ringing in the ears
  • skin rash
  • sweating
  • swelling
  • taste distortion
  • taste loss
  • taste perversion
  • thirst
  • vertigo
  • weakness
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Gatifloxacin:
  • heart disorders
  • metabolic and nutritional disorders
    Symptoms: high blood glucose levels peripheral swelling
  • nervous system disorders
    Symptoms: anxiety, mental confusion, sleepiness, tremors dilation of blood vessels
  • skin and skin appendage disorders
    Symptoms: severe skin itching
  • genital and urinary tract disorders
    Symptoms: pain while urination
  • general body disorders
    Symptoms: allergic reaction, back pain, chest pain fever
  • digestive system disorders
    Symptoms: abnormally low body weight, constipation, inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis), inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), mouth ulcer, a fungal infection of the mouth (oral moniliasis), painful swelling and sores inside the mouth vomiting
  • musculoskeletal system disorders
    Symptoms: joint pain
  • respiratory system disorders
    Symptoms: shortness of breath inflammation of the pharynx
  • special sense disorders
    Symptoms: abnormal vision, taste perversion ringing in the ears
Your doctor has prescribed Gatifloxacin because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Gatifloxacin.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Gatifloxacin by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
Gatifloxacin should be discontinued on the appearance of a rash or any other symptom of allergy.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)
  • severe skin disorder (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Serious allergic reactions

Patients who are on treatment with Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk to develop serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions. Such patients are at risk to suffer from circulatory collapse, low blood pressure/shock, seizures, loss of consciousness, tingling sensation, swelling under lower layer of skin (including tongue, laryngeal, throat, or facial swelling), airway obstruction (including bronchospasm, shortness of breath, and acute respiratory distress), hives, itching, and other serious skin reactions. The use of Gatifloxacin in such patients should be discontinued at the first occurrence of a skin rash or any other sign of serious allergic reaction. Serious acute allergic reactions require the treatment with epinephrine and other measures, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, airway management, and pressor amines as per the clinical requirement.

Patients who are on therapy with multiple doses of Gatifloxacin

Such patients may experience fever, rashes or severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), pain in joints (arthralgia), pain in muscles, allergic reaction to an injection of foreign protein, lung infection (allergic pneumonitis), swelling between kidney tubules (interstitial nephritis), acute kidney insufficiency or failure, inflammation of liver, yellow discoloration of skin, liver injury, condition in which the blood does not produce enough red blood cells (anemia), low level of thrombocytes, decreased number of white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased number of red cells, white cells, and platelets (pancytopenia), and other abnormalities of blood.

Inflammation of the intestine caused by the bacteria (pseudomembranous colitis)

The patients who are on treatment with antibacterials such as Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk to experience diarrhea which may range in severity from mild to life-threatening due to the alteration of natural bacteria in the colon. Discontinue the use of Gatifloxacin in mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis. In moderate to severe cases of diarrhea, management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug is recommended.

Sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria (syphilis)

The use of Gatifloxacin for the treatment of syphilis has not found to be effective. The treatment of gonorrhea with antibacterial agents at high doses for a short period of time may hide or delay the symptoms of growing syphilis. The patients who are on therapy for gonorrhea should undergo a diagnostic test for syphilis.

Irregular heart rhyhtm (QTc interval prolongation )

The patients who are on treatment with Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients are at an increased risk to develop an irregular heartbeat including torsades de pointes and low levels of potassium in the blood. The use of Gatifloxacin should be avoided in patients who have a prolonged QTc interval, low levels of potassium in the blood, and patients who are on therapy with class IA (quinidine, procainamide), or class III (amiodarone, sotalol) agents which are used to treat heart rhythm disorders. The extent of QTc prolongation increases with increasing levels of the drug in the body, therefore, the recommended dosage and the recommended intravenous infusion rate should not be increased beyond the required level.

Disturbed levels of glucose in the blood

Diabetic patients who are on therapy with Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk to develop symptomatic increased or decreased levels of glucose in the blood. Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended in diabetic patients while using Gatifloxacin.

Problems with tissues attaching a muscle to a bone (tendon effects)

Elderly patients while using corticosteroids with Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk of ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and (tissues attach muscles to the heel bones) Achilles tendon. The use of Gatifloxacin should be discontinued if the patient feels pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon. Patients should take rest and avoid exercise until the diagnosis of tendonitis or tendon rupture has been excluded.

Weakness, numbness and pain from nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)

Patients who are on treatment with Gatifloxacin are at an increased risk to develop abnormal tingling sensation, reduced sensitivity to stimuli (hypesthesias), an unpleasant sense of touch (dysesthesias), and weakness.

Patients with central nervous system disorders

The patients with CNS disorders are at an increased risk to experience side-effects associated with the central nervous system. Such patients may develop sudden and irregular movements of the body (convulsions), increased intracranial pressure, severe mental disorder (psychosis), uncontrolled shaking of the body (tremors), restlessness, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, extremely nervous condition (paranoia), depression, nightmares, and insomnia after taking the first dose of Gatifloxacin. Patients should be advised to discontinue the use of the drug if these reactions occur while taking the drug and appropriate measures should be adopted.

Interactions with Gatifloxacin

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
Gatifloxacin may interact with antidiabetic agents, which are used to stabilise and control high blood glucose levels. When Gatifloxacin is used with glyburide, then pharmacodynamic changes in maintaining glucose levels have been observed. However, no significant effects of the drug on the body have been found while using glyburide with Gatifloxacin.
There may be an interaction of Gatifloxacin with digoxin, which is used to treat heart diseases. When Gatifloxacin and digoxin are taken together, it does not produce any significant change in the effects of Gatifloxacin on the body; however, an increase in digoxin levels was observed. Proper adjustment of dose and careful monitoring of blood digoxin levels is required in patients who are present with signs and symptoms of digoxin overdose.
Gatifloxacin interacts with warfarin, which is used to prevent the blood clotting. No notable changes in blood clotting time were observed when Gatifloxacin is used with warfarin. In the case of other quinolones, proper monitoring of blood clotting time is recommended due to increased effects of warfarin by such quinolones.
Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with probenecid, which is used to treat severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints (gout) and lowers the high levels of uric acid in the body (hyperuricemia). An increase in the exposure of Gatifloxacin in the body was observed when Gatifloxacin is used with probenecid.
Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with NSAIDs, which are used to reduce pain, fever, inflammation and prevent blood clots. When NSAIDs are used with a quinolone, patients may see increased effects of central nervous system and further leads to convulsions.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Gatifloxacin. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Interactions of Gatifloxacin by Severity

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Gatifloxacin be not used?

Patients with a family history of severe allergic reaction to Gatifloxacin or any of its components

The use of Gatifloxacin is not recommended in patients with a family history of severe allergic reactions. Patients may see an increased risk of life-threatening allergic reaction. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Gatifloxacin is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Gatifloxacin .
Bacterial Infections
Sinusitis
Pneumonia
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