Gemifloxacin – Overview
Description:
Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, particularly respiratory tract infections. It is effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, it halts bacterial cell replication and repair. Gemifloxacin is primarily used to treat acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Available Forms & Strengths:
- Forms:
- Tablet
- capsuls
- syrup
- Oral tablets
- Strengths:
- 320 mg tablets
Brand Names:
- Factive
- G-FLOX
- Gemiflox
- G-Flotime
- Gemi-Floxin
Uses:
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (ABECB)
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- Sinusitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin and soft tissue infections (off-label)
- Certain sexually transmitted infections (off-label)
Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Tendon rupture (rare but serious)
Dosage:
- For adults with CAP or ABECB:
- 320 mg orally once daily for 5-7 days, depending on infection severity.
- Dosage adjustments:
- Adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 40 mL/min).
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to Gemifloxacin or other fluoroquinolones
- Patients with a history of tendon disorders related to quinolone use
- Known or suspected central nervous system disorders like seizures
Warnings:
- Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture: Fluoroquinolones, including gemifloxacin, increase the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, especially in older patients and those on corticosteroid therapy.
- QT Prolongation: Gemifloxacin may cause QT prolongation, potentially leading to arrhythmias. Caution is advised in patients with a history of QT prolongation or those on antiarrhythmic medications.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Long-term use may result in irreversible peripheral neuropathy.
- CNS Effects: May cause seizures, hallucinations, and other central nervous system effects, particularly in patients with underlying conditions.
- Superinfections: Prolonged use may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi.
Special Instructions:
- Take Gemifloxacin with or without food.
- Avoid taking antacids, calcium supplements, or iron within 2 hours before or after taking this medication.
- Use sunscreen or protective clothing due to increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity).
- Finish the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve early to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid crystalluria.
- If you experience severe side effects, such as tendon pain, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Important information:-This post does not promote SELF MEDICATION in any way. This post is created only to spread general information and awareness about medicines, so in any situation, you must consult your doctor before taking medicine!Thank you
