Gemifloxacin
Generic name: gemifloxacin [ JEM-i-FLOX-a-sin ]
Brand name: Factive
Dosage form: oral tablet (320 mg)
Drug class:Quinolones
What is gemifloxacin?
Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Gemifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections in the lungs.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects. Gemifloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.
Gemifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Gemifloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.
Stop using gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as:headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.
In rare cases, gemifloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).
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. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking gemifloxacin. Tendon problems 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.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems;
blood circulation problems, aneurysm, narrowing or hardening of the arteries;
heart problems, high blood pressure;
a genetic disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ehler's-Danlos syn...
