Tequin
Tequin is an antibiotic used to treat adults with lung, sinus, or urinary tract infections and also to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases caused by germs called bacteria. Sometimes viruses, rather than bacteria, may infect the lungs and sinuses (for example, the common cold). Tequin, like all other antibiotics, does not kill viruses.
The sexually transmitted disease called gonorrhea is treated by Tequin. Other sexually transmitted diseases including syphilis and non-gonococcal diseases are not treated by Tequin.
The incidence of respiratory tract infections -- such as sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia -- has increased almost 50 percent in the past decade in the U.S. -- to about 125 million cases per year. Pneumonia alone accounts for 4 million deaths worldwide and over 50,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it the 6th leading cause of death.
The Food and Drug Administration has just approved a new type of quinolone antibiotic called Tequin(TM)(gatifloxacin). The once a day medication safely and effectively treats those suffering from respiratory infections caused by susceptible bacteria. The new antibiotic has an 8-methoxy segment that appears to decrease the rate of the development of antimicrobial resistance of gram-positive bacteria.
Tequin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects that can occur when taking Tequin are usually mild, and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache