Brand name:

Tequin

Why is Tequin prescribed?

Tequin is a member of the "quinolone" family of antibiotics. It is used to treat acute sinus infections, skin infections, pneumonia, complications of chronic bronchitis, kidney and urinary tract infections, and gonorrhea.

Most important fact about Tequin

Quinolone antibiotics can cause serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions, sometimes after a single dose. Stop taking this drug and call your doctor immediately if you develop swelling in the tongue, throat, or face; difficulty breathing or swallowing; itching, tingling; rash; hives; rapid or irregular heartbeat; seizures; or any other sign of an allergic reaction.

How should you take Tequin?

Tequin should be taken once a day. Swallow the tablet whole. Try to take it at the same time each day.

You may take Tequin with or without food, milk, or calcium supplements. However, you should not take it within 4 hours of taking antacids, dietary supplements, or multivitamins containing iron, magnesium, or zinc. Also leave 4 hours between a dose of Tequin and a dose of Videx (didanosine).

Your doctor will only prescribe Tequin to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important to take the full dosage schedule of Tequin, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Tequin and similar antibiotics.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store Tequin at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.

Tequin side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tequin.

• Side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, labored breathing, nausea, stomach pain, vaginal inflammation, vomiting

Why should Tequin not be prescribed?

Do not take Tequin if you are allergic to any member of the quinolone family of drugs, including Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin, Maxaquin, Noroxin, Penetrex, and Raxar.

Special warnings about Tequin

Tequin can alter the heartbeat. It's best to avoid it if you have an irregular or slow heartbeat, suffer from low potassium levels, or are taking medication to treat an irregular heartbeat. If you or anyone in your family has a history of heart problems, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Contact your doctor if you have palpitations or fainting spells while on Tequin.

Rare cases of peripheral neuropathy (changes or disturbances of the nervous system) have been reported with this type of antibiotic. Contact your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis, pain or numbness, a burning sensation, or a "pins and needles" sensation.

Tequin has been known to cause a rupture in the muscle tendons of the hand, shoulder, or heel. Your risk for this type of rupture is greater if you are taking a steroid medication along with Tequin. If you notice any pain and inflammation in a tendon, stop taking this medication and avoid exercise until you have seen your doctor.

Tequin may cause convulsions, increased pressure in the head, psychosis, tremors, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, light-headedness, confusion, depression, nightmares, insomnia, unfounded suspicions, and hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. Before taking Tequin, let your doctor know if you are prone to seizures.

Tequin may cause dizziness and light-headedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or participate in activities that require mental alertness or coordination until you know how Tequin affects you.

Tequin can disturb blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic on oral diabetes medications and your blood sugar drops, eat some sugar, stop taking Tequin, and call your doctor. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully during your entire course of Tequin therapy.

An increase in blood sugar is also possible, especially among older adults, people with poor kidneys, and those taking medications that tend to increase blood sugar. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop warning signs such as frequent urination, thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

Tequin, used in high doses for short periods of time, may hide or delay the symptoms of syphilis. If you are taking Tequin for gonorrhea, your doctor will test you for syphilis.

You'll also need to be closely monitored if you have kidney disease; your dosage may have to be reduced.

Some of the other drugs in the quinolone family tend to increase sensitivity to the sun. To be on the safe side, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight while taking Tequin.

Like all antibiotics, Tequin occasionally causes a severe and even dangerous form of diarrhea. Alert your doctor if you develop this problem.

Tequin is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tequin

If Tequin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tequin with the following:

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Insulin
Iron
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Naprosyn
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase
Probenecid
Vitamins containing iron, magnesium, or zinc

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although it's not known for sure, Tequin may be capable of causing harm during pregnancy. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant, make sure the doctor is aware of it.

Recommended dosage for Tequin

ADULTS

Overdosage

Little is known about Tequin overdose, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.