gemifloxacin Health Article

Generic name(s):

gemifloxacin

Brand name(s):

Factive

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

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Gemifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Take gemifloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking gemifloxacin. Gemifloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Gemifloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child. There are certain medicines you should not take within the 3 hours before or 2 hours after you take gemifloxacin. This includes antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), didanosine (Videx), and vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc. Taking these other medicines too close to your dose of gemifloxacin can make the antibiotic much less effective.

What is gemifloxacin?

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

Gemifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia.

Gemifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or to a similar antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan).

Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome; or

• a history of head injury or brain tumor.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use gemifloxacin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Gemifloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Gemifloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.