GATIFLOXACIN is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Gatifloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used for treating respiratory tract infections.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual reaction to Gatifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• heart problems, including a slow heartbeat, a history of lack of blood supply to your heart or hardening of the arteries
• kidney or liver problems
• diabetes
• Alzheimer disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Use Gatifloxacin as directed by your doctor. Gatifloxacin works best if it is taken at the same time each day. To clear up your infection completely, continue using Gatifloxacin for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Gatifloxacin is recommended.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• anticoagulants
• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• arsenic
• azole antifungals
• certain medicines for heart rhythm disturbances (eg, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)
• cisapride
• diuretics
• digoxin
• droperidol
• insulin
• ketolide antibiotics
• macrolide antibiotics
• phenothiazines
• pimozide
• probenecid
• ziprasidone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Gatifloxacin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Gatifloxacin . Using Gatifloxacin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Gatifloxacin is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold). It is important to use Gatifloxacin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Gatifloxacin and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Gatifloxacin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.

Long-term or repeated use of Gatifloxacin may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Gatifloxacin may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Gatifloxacin . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional immediately:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• bloody stools
• blurred vision that does not go away
• chest pain or pounding in the chest
• changes in mental health (nightmares; confusion; paranoia; loss of consciousness)
• severe or continuous diarrhea
• unusual or severe drowsiness or dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain
• change in taste
• constipation
• depression
• diarrhea, gas
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• sleeplessness
• tiredness
• vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.