Tuesday, September 27, 2016

gemifloxacin


Generic Name: gemifloxacin (JEM i FLOX a sin)

Brand Names: Factive


What is gemifloxacin?

Gemifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gemifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.


Gemifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.


Gemifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about gemifloxacin?


You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, joint problems, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a history of seizures, a history of head injury of brain tumor, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.


Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take gemifloxacin. Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemifloxacin?


You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or similar medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G), or sotalol (Betapace);




  • a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;




  • joint problems;




  • kidney disease;




  • epilepsy or a history of seizures;




  • a history of head injury or brain tumor;




  • a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);




  • low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia);




  • muscle weakness or trouble breathing;




  • a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems; or




  • a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemifloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Gemifloxacin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

How should I take gemifloxacin?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Take gemifloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking gemifloxacin.

Gemifloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.


Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Gemifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Gemifloxacin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, chills, tremors, and seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking gemifloxacin?


You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as gemifloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 3 hours before or 2 hours after you take gemifloxacin. These other medicines can make gemifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

  • antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids);




  • the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);




  • didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or




  • vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.




Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Gemifloxacin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.


Gemifloxacin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Gemifloxacin side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;




  • sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;




  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;




  • confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • seizure (convulsions);




  • severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;




  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;




  • upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding;




  • numbness, burning, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;




  • the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or




  • severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • nausea, vomiting;




  • dizziness or drowsiness;




  • blurred vision;




  • muscle pain or weakness;




  • feeling nervous, anxious, or restless; or




  • sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Gemifloxacin Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 320 mg orally once a day for 5 days

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

Mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia: 320 mg orally once a day

Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Chlamydia pneumoniae should be treated for 5 days. Infections caused by multi-drug resistant S pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Moraxella catarrhalis should be treated for 7 days.


What other drugs will affect gemifloxacin?


Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:



  • probenecid (Benemid);




  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);




  • a diuretic (water pill);




  • an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam);




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), or desipramine (Norpramin);




  • anti-malaria medications such as chloroquine (Aralen), or mefloquine (Lariam);




  • medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, such as dolasetron (Anzemet) or ondansetron (Zofran);




  • medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or ziprasidone (Geodon);




  • migraine headache medicine such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet) or zolmitriptan (Zomig);




  • narcotic medication such as methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine); or




  • an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Sterapred) and others.



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with gemifloxacin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More gemifloxacin resources


  • Gemifloxacin Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Gemifloxacin Dosage
  • Gemifloxacin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Gemifloxacin Drug Interactions
  • Gemifloxacin Support Group
  • 5 Reviews for Gemifloxacin - Add your own review/rating


  • gemifloxacin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Gemifloxacin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Factive Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Factive Monograph (AHFS DI)



Compare gemifloxacin with other medications


  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Strep Throat


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about gemifloxacin.

See also: gemifloxacin side effects (in more detail)


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