Why is this medication prescribed?
Lansoprazole is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Lansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
How should this medicine be used?
Lansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule and granules to make a delayed-release solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Lansoprazole is usually taken once a day, before eating. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, lansoprazole is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) or three times a day (every 8 hours) for 10 to 14 days. To help you remember to take lansoprazole, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, lansoprazole capsules can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, Ensure pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. The capsules can also be emptied into 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice, mixed briefly, and swallowed immediately. Rinse the glass with some additional juice and drink immediately.
For patients who have a nasogastric tube, lansoprazole capsules can be opened and the granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice. The mixture should be injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. Then the tube should be flushed with some more apple juice.
To use lansoprazole oral solution, empty the contents of a packet into a container containing 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink immediately. If any granules remain, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use liquids or foods other than water. Do not crush or chew the granules.
Continue to take lansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lansoprazole without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking lansoprazole,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lansoprazole or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Totacillin), digoxin (Lanoxin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), theophylline (Theo-bid, TheoDur), and vitamins containing iron. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 30 minutes after lansoprazole.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lansoprazole, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Lansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
Lansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Amlodipin
Amlodipine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts.
Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions
Before taking amlodipine,
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other medicines.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.
Side effects
Amlodipine may cause side effects:
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
headache
upset stomach
stomach pain
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
excessive tiredness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon:
more frequent or more severe chest pain
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
fainting
Symptoms of overdose may include:
dizziness
fainting
rapid heartbeat
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions
Before taking amlodipine,
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other medicines.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.
Side effects
Amlodipine may cause side effects:
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
headache
upset stomach
stomach pain
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
excessive tiredness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon:
more frequent or more severe chest pain
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
fainting
Symptoms of overdose may include:
dizziness
fainting
rapid heartbeat
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Friday, July 20, 2007
What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cetirizine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking cetirizine.
While you are taking cetirizine, do not take other prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Cetirizine blocks the actions of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Cetirizine is less likely than some other antihistamines to cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Cetirizine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing; runny nose; itching, tearing, and redness of the eyes; and hives.
Cetirizine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Do not take cetirizine without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to it or to the medication hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril).
Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Cetirizine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take cetirizine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Take cetirizine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Stop taking cetirizine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Gatifloxacin
Why is this medication prescribed?
Gatifloxacin is used to treat certain types of lung, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. Gatifloxacin is also used to treat certain types of gonorrhea infections (a sexually transmitted disease). Gatifloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection. Gatifloxacin will not work against colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should this medicine be used?
Gatifloxacin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day for 1 to 14 days. Take gatifloxacin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gatifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Take gatifloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking gatifloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
You should begin to feel better soon after you begin your treatment with gatifloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Other uses for this medicine
Gatifloxacin may be used to help treat or prevent infection in people who were or may have been exposed to anthrax spores in the air. Gatifloxacin is also sometimes used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB; an infection that may affect the lungs and other parts of the body). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking gatifloxacin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar) or other quinolone antibiotics including cinoxacin (Cinobac) (not available in the United States), ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan, Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) (not available in the United States), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Iquix, Levaquin, Quixin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin, Ocuflox), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin and alatrofloxacin combination (Trovan) (not available in the United States); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in gatifloxacin tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain other antibiotics, including erythromycin (E.E.S., others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants ('mood elevators'); antipsychotics (medications for mental illness); cisapride (Propulsid) (not available in the United States); diuretics ('water pills') including furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Diurel, others); certain medications to control irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Cordarone), digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), procainamide (Pronestyl),quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); probenecid (Benemid); or sucralfate (Carafate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids (some forms of Mylanta, some forms of Maalox, others); didanosine (Videx) chewable tablets or solution (liquid); or dietary supplements or multi-vitamins that contain iron (such as ferrous sulfate), magnesium, or zinc, you should take them 4 hours after you take gatifloxacin.
tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause fainting or irregular heartbeat); or an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG; heart rhythm test); tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low levels of potassium in the blood;slow heartbeat; a recent heart attack. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cerebral atherosclerosis [narrowing of blood vessels in or near the brain which can lead to stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)]; diabetes; seizures; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gatifloxacin, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gatifloxacin.
you should know that this medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in other activities requiring mental alertness and coordination until you know how gatifloxacin will affect you.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (tanning beds) and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Gatifloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Call your doctor if you develop skin redness, blisters, or bumps.
you should know that your blood sugar may increase or decrease during your treatment with gatifloxacin. These changes in blood sugar may be serious or life-threatening. You are most likely to experience changes in your blood sugar if you have diabetes. However, you may experience changes in your blood sugar even if you do not have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or any other condition that causes your blood sugar to be too high or too low. If you have diabetes, your doctor will probably tell you not to take gatifloxacin. Also tell your doctor if you are taking other medications that may affect your blood sugar, such as insulin or oral medications for diabetes including glyburide (DiaBeta, Glycron, Glynase, Micronase, in Glucovance). Talk to your doctor about how to monitor your blood sugar during your treatment and the steps to take if your blood sugar increases or decreases.
tell your doctor if you have ever had tendonitis (swelling or tearing of a fiber that connects a bone to a muscle), if you participate in regular athletic activity, or if you are taking oral steroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone (Deltasone). There is a risk that you may develop tendonitis while you are taking gatifloxacin. If you develop symptoms of tendonitis such as pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or difficulty in moving a muscle, stop taking gatifloxacin, rest, and call your doctor immediately.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
shakiness
dizziness or lightheadedness
sweating
nervousness or irritability
sudden changes in behavior or mood
headache
numbness or tingling around the mouth
weakness
pale skin
hunger
clumsy or jerky movements
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
confusion
seizures
loss of consciousness
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
extreme thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
weakness
blurred vision
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Get medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
dry mouth
nausea and vomiting
shortness of breath
breath that smells fruity
decreased consciousness
Gatifloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
vaginal itching, swelling, or discomfort
stomach pain
loss of appetite
change in the way things taste
heartburn
gas
diarrhea
constipation
painful urination
sores or white patches in the mouth
sore tongue
tiredness
muscle or joint pain
leg cramps
ringing in the ears
dry skin
fever
chills
sore throat
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rash or blisters on skin
itching
hives
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
hoarseness
tightness of the throat
fast or pounding heartbeat
chest pain
fainting
depression
paranoia (abnormal fear)
hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
nightmares
agitation
anxiety
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain, burning, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the hands or feet
bloody stools
dark colored urine
decrease in urination
rapid weight loss
shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to gatifloxacin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the gatifloxacin, call your doctor.
Gatifloxacin is used to treat certain types of lung, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. Gatifloxacin is also used to treat certain types of gonorrhea infections (a sexually transmitted disease). Gatifloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection. Gatifloxacin will not work against colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should this medicine be used?
Gatifloxacin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day for 1 to 14 days. Take gatifloxacin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gatifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Take gatifloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking gatifloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
You should begin to feel better soon after you begin your treatment with gatifloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Other uses for this medicine
Gatifloxacin may be used to help treat or prevent infection in people who were or may have been exposed to anthrax spores in the air. Gatifloxacin is also sometimes used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB; an infection that may affect the lungs and other parts of the body). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking gatifloxacin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar) or other quinolone antibiotics including cinoxacin (Cinobac) (not available in the United States), ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan, Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) (not available in the United States), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Iquix, Levaquin, Quixin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin, Ocuflox), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin and alatrofloxacin combination (Trovan) (not available in the United States); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in gatifloxacin tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain other antibiotics, including erythromycin (E.E.S., others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants ('mood elevators'); antipsychotics (medications for mental illness); cisapride (Propulsid) (not available in the United States); diuretics ('water pills') including furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Diurel, others); certain medications to control irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Cordarone), digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), procainamide (Pronestyl),quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); probenecid (Benemid); or sucralfate (Carafate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids (some forms of Mylanta, some forms of Maalox, others); didanosine (Videx) chewable tablets or solution (liquid); or dietary supplements or multi-vitamins that contain iron (such as ferrous sulfate), magnesium, or zinc, you should take them 4 hours after you take gatifloxacin.
tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause fainting or irregular heartbeat); or an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG; heart rhythm test); tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low levels of potassium in the blood;slow heartbeat; a recent heart attack. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cerebral atherosclerosis [narrowing of blood vessels in or near the brain which can lead to stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)]; diabetes; seizures; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gatifloxacin, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gatifloxacin.
you should know that this medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in other activities requiring mental alertness and coordination until you know how gatifloxacin will affect you.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (tanning beds) and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Gatifloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Call your doctor if you develop skin redness, blisters, or bumps.
you should know that your blood sugar may increase or decrease during your treatment with gatifloxacin. These changes in blood sugar may be serious or life-threatening. You are most likely to experience changes in your blood sugar if you have diabetes. However, you may experience changes in your blood sugar even if you do not have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or any other condition that causes your blood sugar to be too high or too low. If you have diabetes, your doctor will probably tell you not to take gatifloxacin. Also tell your doctor if you are taking other medications that may affect your blood sugar, such as insulin or oral medications for diabetes including glyburide (DiaBeta, Glycron, Glynase, Micronase, in Glucovance). Talk to your doctor about how to monitor your blood sugar during your treatment and the steps to take if your blood sugar increases or decreases.
tell your doctor if you have ever had tendonitis (swelling or tearing of a fiber that connects a bone to a muscle), if you participate in regular athletic activity, or if you are taking oral steroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone (Deltasone). There is a risk that you may develop tendonitis while you are taking gatifloxacin. If you develop symptoms of tendonitis such as pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or difficulty in moving a muscle, stop taking gatifloxacin, rest, and call your doctor immediately.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
shakiness
dizziness or lightheadedness
sweating
nervousness or irritability
sudden changes in behavior or mood
headache
numbness or tingling around the mouth
weakness
pale skin
hunger
clumsy or jerky movements
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
confusion
seizures
loss of consciousness
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
extreme thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
weakness
blurred vision
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Get medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
dry mouth
nausea and vomiting
shortness of breath
breath that smells fruity
decreased consciousness
Gatifloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
vaginal itching, swelling, or discomfort
stomach pain
loss of appetite
change in the way things taste
heartburn
gas
diarrhea
constipation
painful urination
sores or white patches in the mouth
sore tongue
tiredness
muscle or joint pain
leg cramps
ringing in the ears
dry skin
fever
chills
sore throat
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rash or blisters on skin
itching
hives
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
hoarseness
tightness of the throat
fast or pounding heartbeat
chest pain
fainting
depression
paranoia (abnormal fear)
hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
nightmares
agitation
anxiety
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain, burning, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the hands or feet
bloody stools
dark colored urine
decrease in urination
rapid weight loss
shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to gatifloxacin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the gatifloxacin, call your doctor.
Levofloxacin
GENERIC NAME: levofloxacin
BRAND NAME: Levaquin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). It is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). Levofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250, 500, and 750 mg. Oral solution, 25 mg/mL.
STORAGE: Levofloxacin should be stored below 86°F.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including mastitis.
DOSING: Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is important to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid, or mineral supplement with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these minerals bind levofloxacin and prevent its absorption.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Minerals with 2 or 3 positive charges, called divalent or trivalent ions, respectively, can attach to levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the intestine into the blood. Therefore, such products (containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium) as well as antacids, should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs which contain these ions and which can similarly interact with levofloxacin include sucralfate (Carafate) and didanosine, dDI.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with levofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS stimulation, resulting in over-excitation. There have been reports of changes in blood sugar in patients treated with other fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents. Other fluoroquinolones have been reported to increase blood levels of theophylline (Theodur), warfarin (Coumadin), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral). There have not yet been similar reports with levofloxacin.
PREGNANCY:
Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in pregnant women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in lactating women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. In fact, levofloxacin is not recommended in persons under the age of 18 years.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most frequently reported side events are nausea or vomiting (1 out of every 12 persons), diarrhea (1 out 20), headache (1 out 20), and constipation (1 out of 30). Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, abdominal gas, and itching.
BRAND NAME: Levaquin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). It is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, a class that includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). Levofloxacin was approved by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250, 500, and 750 mg. Oral solution, 25 mg/mL.
STORAGE: Levofloxacin should be stored below 86°F.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Levofloxacin also is frequently used to treat urinary infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, as well as prostatitis. Levofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria. Levofloxacin also can be used to treat various obstetric infections, including mastitis.
DOSING: Levofloxacin usually is given once daily. It is important to take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid, or mineral supplement with iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium since these minerals bind levofloxacin and prevent its absorption.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Minerals with 2 or 3 positive charges, called divalent or trivalent ions, respectively, can attach to levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones and prevent their absorption from the intestine into the blood. Therefore, such products (containing iron, calcium, zinc, or magnesium) as well as antacids, should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after levofloxacin. Other drugs which contain these ions and which can similarly interact with levofloxacin include sucralfate (Carafate) and didanosine, dDI.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with levofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS stimulation, resulting in over-excitation. There have been reports of changes in blood sugar in patients treated with other fluoroquinolones and antidiabetic agents. Other fluoroquinolones have been reported to increase blood levels of theophylline (Theodur), warfarin (Coumadin), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral). There have not yet been similar reports with levofloxacin.
PREGNANCY:
Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in pregnant women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Levofloxacin is not recommended for use in lactating women since levofloxacin causes joint and bone deformities in juvenile animals of several species. In fact, levofloxacin is not recommended in persons under the age of 18 years.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most frequently reported side events are nausea or vomiting (1 out of every 12 persons), diarrhea (1 out 20), headache (1 out 20), and constipation (1 out of 30). Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash, abdominal gas, and itching.
Cotrimoxazole
Content
per tab : Trimetroprim 80mg and Sulfamethoxazole 400mg.
Forte caplet: Trimetoprim 160mg and Sulfamethoxazole 800mg
Syrup: Per 5 mL syr Trimetoprim 40mg and Sulfamethoxazole 200mg
Indication:
Gastro Intestinal Tract, respiratorius tract, skin and other infections caused by sensitive microorganisms.
Dosis:
Adult 2 tab, Children 5 – 12 years 1 tablet/ syrup 2 tsp, Children 6 month – 5 years 1 tsp, children 2 month – 6 month ½ tsp. to be taken 2 times daily.
Severe infection: dosis may be increased.
Contra Indication:
Severly impaired hepatic or renal function. Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, blood dyscrasias, Pregnancy and lactation. Infant < 2 month. Porphyria.
Special Precaution:
Folic Acid and G6PD deficiency. Poor nutritional status. Elderly and patients with reduced kidney function.
Adverse Reactions:
Gastro Intestinal Disturbances, Stevens-Johnson & Lyell’s syndrome, Rarely, hepatitis, blood disorders, pseudomembranous colitis.
Drug Interaction:
Effects reduced by PABA and procaine-type local anesth and enhanced by highly bound drugs. May potenciate effects of methotrexate, warfarin, sulfonylureas.
per tab : Trimetroprim 80mg and Sulfamethoxazole 400mg.
Forte caplet: Trimetoprim 160mg and Sulfamethoxazole 800mg
Syrup: Per 5 mL syr Trimetoprim 40mg and Sulfamethoxazole 200mg
Indication:
Gastro Intestinal Tract, respiratorius tract, skin and other infections caused by sensitive microorganisms.
Dosis:
Adult 2 tab, Children 5 – 12 years 1 tablet/ syrup 2 tsp, Children 6 month – 5 years 1 tsp, children 2 month – 6 month ½ tsp. to be taken 2 times daily.
Severe infection: dosis may be increased.
Contra Indication:
Severly impaired hepatic or renal function. Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, blood dyscrasias, Pregnancy and lactation. Infant < 2 month. Porphyria.
Special Precaution:
Folic Acid and G6PD deficiency. Poor nutritional status. Elderly and patients with reduced kidney function.
Adverse Reactions:
Gastro Intestinal Disturbances, Stevens-Johnson & Lyell’s syndrome, Rarely, hepatitis, blood disorders, pseudomembranous colitis.
Drug Interaction:
Effects reduced by PABA and procaine-type local anesth and enhanced by highly bound drugs. May potenciate effects of methotrexate, warfarin, sulfonylureas.
Amoxycillin
Indication:
Treatment of infections caused by gram+ or gram- microorganisms susceptible to amoxicillin, upper and lower respiratorius tract, genitourinarius tract, skin and soft tissue infections, typhoid fever (but not drug of choice)
Dosis:
Adult and Children> 20kg 750 – 1500mg daily, to be taken in divided doses 8 hourly; <20kg 25 – 50mg/kg body weight/day.
Contra Indication:
Penicillin allergy
Special Precaution:
Assessment renal & hepatic function during prolonged treatment. Superinfection.
Adverse Reactions:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hay fever, pruritus and skin rash
Drug Interaction:
Probenecid prolongs half-life of amoxicillin.
Treatment of infections caused by gram+ or gram- microorganisms susceptible to amoxicillin, upper and lower respiratorius tract, genitourinarius tract, skin and soft tissue infections, typhoid fever (but not drug of choice)
Dosis:
Adult and Children> 20kg 750 – 1500mg daily, to be taken in divided doses 8 hourly; <20kg 25 – 50mg/kg body weight/day.
Contra Indication:
Penicillin allergy
Special Precaution:
Assessment renal & hepatic function during prolonged treatment. Superinfection.
Adverse Reactions:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hay fever, pruritus and skin rash
Drug Interaction:
Probenecid prolongs half-life of amoxicillin.
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