Antibiotic gatifloxacin (Tequin) poses health risks

[Guest guest]

This is interesting, one of the symptoms is heart palpitations. Scroll down

for more symptoms.

Rosie

What happened? A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that

the antibiotic gatifloxacin (Tequin) may increase the risk of both low blood

sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) during or after

its use. These fluctuations in blood sugar may be severe enough to require

hospitalization.

Gatifloxacin is in a class of popular broad-spectrum antibiotics called

fluoroquinolones. The antibiotic is used to treat many different bacterial

infections - including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, respiratory

tract infections, urinary tract infections and certain sexually transmitted

diseases. Other antibiotics in the same class include ciprofloxacin (Cipro,

others) and levofloxacin (Levaquin, others).

In the United States, gatifloxacin labeling has changed repeatedly based on

other reports suggesting that the antibiotic can dramatically alter blood

sugar levels. Other adverse effects - including kidney failure and liver

problems - have led to the withdrawal or restriction of several other drugs

from the same class of antibiotics.

All patients in the study were age 66 or older. Some had diabetes and some

did not, although for everyone gatifloxacin posed a risk of blood sugar

fluctuations within 30 days of taking the antibiotic. Researchers don't know

if the findings also apply to younger patients.

What does this mean to you? For some people, gatifloxacin poses more risks

than other types of antibiotics in the same family. If you have diabetes, a

severe infection or other factors that increase your risk of blood sugar

fluctuations, your doctor may recommend another antibiotic. Other

antibiotics are available for every approved use for gatifloxacin.

If you take gatifloxacin, it's important to be aware of the signs and

symptoms of blood sugar fluctuations:

* Confusion

* Visual disturbances

* Heart palpitations

* Tremors

* Frequent urination

* Increased thirst

* Dry mouth

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, seek prompt medical care.

<http://www.mayoclinic.com/> Mayo Clinic