MONDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced labeling changes to the antibiotic Tequin (gatifloxacin) due to reports of serious cases of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in some patients. The drug is used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea and infections of the urinary tract, kidneys and skin.
According to a letter sent to health care professionals by the manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, there have been rare cases of life-threatening events reported worldwide, although most were reversible under appropriate management.
In 2002, information about the risk of the two conditions were included in the warnings section of the product labeled for the U.S. market. The warnings have been updated and now note that the drug is contraindicated in diabetics. In addition, other risk factors include advancing age, renal insufficiency and concomitant use of medications that alter blood-glucose levels. The drug will continue to be monitored by the FDA.
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