GEMIFLOXACIN MESYLATE

Indications & Dose:

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; communityacquired pneumonia (of mild to moderate severity) Antibacterial spectrum usually includes: 

DOSAGE

Adult 

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: PO 320 mg qd for 5 days; for  CRCL  40 ml/min, 160 mg qd for 5 days •

Community-acquired pneumonia: PO 320 mg qd for 7 days; for CRCL  40 ml/min, 160 mg qd for 7 days

Contraindications:

Side Effects:

CNS: Dizziness. headache

CV: QT interval prolongation

GI: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea

MS: Tendonitis SKIN: Rash (9%. more common in Women <40 years old) 

Cautions:

Precautions:

QT interval prolongation, concurrent use of other drugs that prolong the QT interval (erythromycin. antipsychotics, and tricyclic antidepressants), tendon inflammation, pain. or rupture (more common in elderly persons, athletes, and those taking corticosteroids), seizure disorder, CNS stimulation, colitis 

Interaction:

Drugs

• Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium: Reduced absorption of gemifloxacin; do not take within 3 hrs of dose of gemifloxacin 

Amiodarone: Additive QT interval prolongation

• Didanosine, buffered form: Markedly reduced absorption of gemifloxacin: do not take within 3 hrs of dose of gemifloxacin

• Erythromycin: Additive QT interval prolongation

• Iron: Reduced absorption of gemifloxacin; do not take within 3 hrs of dose of gemifloxacin

• Procainamide: Additive QT interval prolongation

• Propranolol: inhibits metabolism of propranolol; increased plasma propranolol level

• Quinidine: Additive QT interval prolongation

• Sotalol: Additive QT interval prolongation

• Sucralfate: Reduced absorption of gemifloxacin; do not take within 2 hrs of dose of gemifloxacin

• Zinc: Reduced absorption of gemifloxacin; do not take within 3 hrs of dose of gemifloxacin 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Pregnancy category C; breast milk excretion in humans unknown

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: