Gemifloxacin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Gemifloxacin

Other Names

  • Factive

Drug Class

  • Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C18H20FN5O4

Molecular Weight

392.38 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes

Indications

  • Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
  • Community-acquired pneumonia

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 320 mg once daily for 5 to 7 days

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established in children under 18 years

Geriatric Dosage

  • No dosage adjustment necessary

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to gemifloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Use with caution, excretion in breast milk is unknown

Drug Interactions

  • Avoid concurrent use with multivitamins/minerals containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron

Overdose Symptoms

  • Hypotension
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, manage symptoms and provide supportive care

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Distributed widely in body tissues
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted in urine and feces

Precautions

  • Caution in patients with history of seizures
  • Monitor for signs of tendinitis or tendon rupture

Warnings

  • May cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Others