What is this medicine?
GEMIFLOXACIN (gem ah FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-heart disease, recent heart attack
-irregular or slow heart beat
-joint problems
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-myasthenia gravis
-seizures
-an unusual or allergic reaction to gemifloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-arsenic trioxide
-cisapride
-droperidol
-pentamidine
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-pimozide
-some medications for irregular heart rhythm
-ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-antacids with aluminum, magnesium
-didanosine
-erythromycin
-iron products
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-probenecid
-some multivitamins
-sucrafate
-warfarin
-zinc
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Make sure you stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink several glasses of fluids a day.
If you are a diabetic monitor your blood sugar carefully. If your blood sugar reading is unusual, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor for advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate, antacids, or iron or zinc products within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-changes in vision
-confusion, hallucinations
-depression or suicidal thoughts
-difficulty breathing
-irregular heartbeat, feeling faint
-joint, muscle, tendon pain or swelling
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-seizures
-tremor
-unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
-vaginal irritation, discharge
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea
-dry mouth
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nausea, vomiting
-stomach upset
-trouble sleeping
-unusual taste
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
